A Working Description of Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities (LDs) are specific neurological disorders that affect the way a person stores, understands, retrieves and/or communicates information.

People with learning disabilities are intelligent and have abilities to learn despite difficulties in processing information and a pattern of uneven abilities.

LDs are invisible and lifelong.

LDs can occur with other disorders (ADHD, etc) and may run in families.

LDs are NOT the same as intellectual disability, autism, deafness, blindness, behavioral disorders or laziness.

LDs are not the result of economic disadvantage, environmental factors or cultural differences.

Living with a learning disability can have an ongoing impact on friendships, school, work, self-esteem and daily life.

People with LDs can succeed when solid coping skills and strategies are developed.