LD Information
· General LD Information · National Definition of Learning Disabilities ·
· Types of Learning Disabilities · Disclaimer · FACT SHEETS ·
A learning disability is a disorder that affects how a person understands and uses information. The disorder affects the ability to learn, in spite of average to above average intelligence.
Learning disabilities are invisible and complex. Early identification and assessment is extremely important for people with learning disabilities to succeed. Learning Disabilities may affect a person's:
- speech and language development
- co-ordination
- organization and social skills.
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National Definition of Learning Disabilities
Adopted by the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (January 30, 2002)
"Learning Disabilities" refer to a number of disorders which may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. These disorders affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning. As such, learning disabilities are distinct from global intellectual deficiency.
Learning disabilities result from impairments in one or more processes related to perceiving, thinking, remembering or learning. These include, but are not limited to: language processing; phonological processing; visual spatial processing; processing speed; memory and attention; and executive functions (e.g. planning and decision-making).
Learning disabilities range in severity and may interfere with the acquisition and use of one or more of the following:
- oral language (e.g. listening, speaking, understanding);
- reading (e.g. decoding, phonetic knowledge, word recognition, comprehension);
- written language (e.g. spelling and written expression); and
- mathematics (e.g. computation, problem solving).
- Learning disabilities may also involve difficulties with organizational skills, social perception, social interaction and perspective taking.
Learning disabilities are lifelong. The way in which they are expressed may vary over an individual’s lifetime, depending on the interaction between the demands of the environment and the individual’s strengths and needs. Learning disabilities are suggested by unexpected academic under-achievement or achievement which is maintained only by unusually high levels of effort and support.
Learning disabilities are due to genetic and/or neurobiological factors or injury that alters brain functioning in a manner which affects one or more processes related to learning. These disorders are not due primarily to hearing and/or vision problems, socio-economic factors, cultural or linguistic differences, lack of motivation or ineffective teaching, although these factors may further complicate the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities may co-exist with various conditions including attentional, behavioral, and emotional disorders, sensory impairments or other medical conditions.
For success, individuals with learning disabilities require early identification and timely specialized assessments and interventions involving home, school, community and workplace settings. The interventions need to be appropriate for each individual’s learning disability subtype and, at a minimum, include the provision of:
- specific skill instruction;
- accommodations;
- compensatory strategies; and
- self-advocacy skills.
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Types of Learning Disabilities
A learning disability is not an intellectual disability. A learning disability is a disability that affects a person’s ability to process information. People with learning disabilities possess an average to above-average IQ.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is the most common form of all learning disabilities. It is a language-based disability in which a person has trouble understanding words, sentences, or paragraphs. People with dyslexia often have problems with processing or understanding what they read or hear. Many dyslexic people are notably talented in arts and music; 3-D visual perception; athletic and mechanical ability.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a math based learning disability that affects the ability to grasp and solve math concepts. People with dyscalculia often have difficulty manipulating numbers in their head and remembering steps in formulas and equations.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a writing disability where people find it hard to form letters and write within a defined space. Many people with dysgraphia possess handwriting that is uneven and inconsistent. Many are able to write legibly but do so very slowly or very small. Typically, people with dysgraphia are unable to visualize letters and do not possess the ability to remember the motor patterns of letters and writing requires a large amount of energy and time.
Non-Verbal
A non-verbal learning disability (NLD) is a neurological syndrome that develops in the right side of the brain. People with NLD have a very strong verbal ability, remarkable memory and spelling skills, and strong auditory retention; although they possess poor social skills and have difficulty understanding facial expression and body language. Many do not react well to change and some possess poor social judgement. Some people with NLD have poor co-ordination, balance problems and difficulty with fine motor skills.
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The Learning Disabilities Association of PEI does not support, endorse, or recommend any method, treatment, product, remedial centre, program or person for children or adults with learning disabilities. It does, however, endeavor to inform you in the belief that you have the right to know what resources are available.
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FACT SHEETS (available for download)
- What is a Learning Disability? (PDF - 31 k)
- What Are Some Common Signs of Learning Disabilities? (PDF - 35 k)
- Neurobiological Basis of Learning Disabilities (PDF - 28 k)
- The 2004 Medical Expense Tax Credit and Learning Disabilities (PDF - 38 k)
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