What is a Learning Disability?
Part of the confusion around LD is that professionals use different terms to refer to the same general concept and have different exact definitions of what constitutes LD. Here is a simple definition that was given to the participants in this study:
Learning Disability/Difference (LD) = a specific types of learning problem that affects a child’s ability to read, write, listen, speak, reason, or do math.
LD includes dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. LD does NOT include ADHD, Autism, Asperger's, Intellectual Disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation), or a physical problem with the senses such as blindness or deafness. However, many children have ADHD or other issues ALONG WITH LD. |
Formal Definition of Learning Disabilities
“Learning disabilities is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction, and may occur across the life span. Problems in self-regulatory behaviors, social perception, and social interaction may exist with learning disabilities but do not by themselves constitute a learning disability. Although learning disabilities may occur concomitantly with other handicapping conditions (for example, sensory impairment, mental retardation, serious emotional disturbance), or with extrinsic influences (such as cultural differences, insufficient or inappropriate instruction), they are not the result of those conditions or influences”
- From the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities, 1990
This is just one definition of LD. There are many other definitions out there, causing much confusion for parents and professionals.
- From the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities, 1990
This is just one definition of LD. There are many other definitions out there, causing much confusion for parents and professionals.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a common type of learning disability. The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia in this way:
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002.
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002.