Learning Disability

What is learning disability?

Typically, students with learning disabilities have an average intelligence but they will require more specific instructional strategies, program modifications or accommodations. A learning disability does not include a disability resulting from vision, hearing impaired, physical or behavior. Although, many behavior disabled students often have learning difficulties. Descrepancies between academic performance and actual intellectual ability will occur. Diagnosis of a learning disability usually occurs after the child has had a WISC R performed which is the standardized test and is done by a psychologist - usually. Definitions of learning disabilities will often vary from district to district but do tend to convey a common meaning.

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language. The disability may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations.
Every individual with a learning disability is unique and shows a different combination and degree of difficulties. A common characteristic among people with learning disabilities is uneven areas of ability, “a weakness within a sea of strengths.” For instance, a child with dyslexia who struggles with reading, writing and spelling may be very capable in math and science.
Learning disabilities should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps; of mental retardation; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantages.