What you should know about LDs

Learning Disabilities (LDs) are specific neurological disorders that affect the brain’s ability to store, process, retrieve or communicate information. They are invisible and lifelong.
LDs can affect different aspects of learning and functioning – see the chart below for specific types of learning disabilities and related disorders.
LDs can be compensated for through alternate ways of learning, accommodations and modifications.
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.

LD Terminology

Type of LDs	Area of Difficulty	Symptoms include trouble with:	Example:
Dyslexia	Processing language	Reading, writing, and spelling	Letters and words may be written or pronounced inaccurately
Dyscalculia	Math skills and concepts	Computation, remembering math facts, concepts of time, money, grasping math concepts, etc	Difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s
Dysgraphia	Written expression	Handwriting, spelling, expressing ideas on paper	Illegible handwriting, difficulty organizing ideas, getting thoughts on paper
Dyspraxia	Fine motor skills	Coordination, manual dexterity	Trouble with scissors, buttons, drawing, writing
Information Processing Disorders
Auditory Processing Disorder	Interpreting auditory information	Language Development, reading	Difficulty anticipating how a speaker will end a sentence.
Visual Processing Disorder	Interpreting visual information	Reading, writing and math	Difficulty distinguishing letters like “h” and “n”
Other Related Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)	Concentration and focus	Over-activity, distractibility and/or impulsivity	Can’t sit still, loses interest quickly, is easily distracted, may daydream