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Learning disabilities (LDs) are neurological processing problems that create difficulty with the learning and applying of skills in one or more academic areas. Learning disabled students are of average or higher intelligence despite having difficulty in certain skill areas; some are even gifted. They just process information differently from others.

Learning disabilities is a term often used by educators to describe a wide range of learning problems. The problems may be in areas of reading, writing, language or math skills. While most students have problems with learning at different points during school years and trouble with new material is normal, not all struggles are signs of a LD.

LDs can appear in early child hood or as late as third grade. Prenatal factors can contribute to LDs in some cases. It is important to seek intervention services and provide stimulating activities for toddlers.

Recognizing signs and characteristics early is very important.

LD students share several characteristics;
1.) They have low scores on one or more areas of achievement test.
2.) Intelligence scores are usually average of above.
3.) Usually participated in good educational programs
4.) School attendance did not have gaps or lapses in it.
5.) Other problems such as motor skills have been ruled out.

Most children that show signs of early delays will catch up and grow out of learning problems.

Common signs of learning disabilities fall within two categories, internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

INTERNALIZING STUDENTS: (generally quite and withdrawn due to embarrassment)
-Apparent boredom and carelessness;
-Disinterest in school or reluctance to go to school;
-Withdrawal in class;
-Disorganization or poor, sloppy work;
-slow to respond to questions; and
-Especially at-risk for physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches.

EXTERNALIZING STUDENT: (often loud and disruptive due to craving attention)
-Blurting out incorrect answers;
-Breaking school rules and being referred for discipline;
-Aggression toward peers or adults;
-Clowning around;
-Gravitating toward other low achievers; and
-Disruption at home or in the community

The sooner that signs are recognized the better, testing can be done to determine whether or not the child has a learning disability. From there help can be obtained. Children with learning disabilities are neither slow or dumb; they simply process information differently.

Additional effort and concentration required to complete some more challenging task can help to strengthen learning skills and long term memory. Not all learning problems are signs of learning disabilities.

Resources

http://l earningdisabilities.about.com/ od/whatisld/a/whatissld.htm
htt p://learningdisabilities.about .com/ol/whatisld/a/signsofld.h tm
http://www.kidshealth.org/ki d/health_problems/learning_pro blem/learning_disabilities.htm l

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