Learning disabilities (disorders) affect how your child’s brain takes in and uses information. There are multiple types, like dyslexia and nonverbal learning disorders. Learning disabilities are manageable with interventions that can help your child learn in a different way.
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Learning disabilities (LDs) affect how your brain processes information. This could include how you:
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
LDs can involve verbal (words or speech) and/or nonverbal information. They typically affect how you read, write and/or do math. They can range from mild to severe.
Learning disabilities don’t affect intelligence and are different from intellectual disabilities. People with LDs have specific issues with learning. But they have an average or above-average IQ (intelligence quotient).
Most people with an LD find out about it early in school. But some people don’t get a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood.
Many people use “learning disability” and “learning disorder” interchangeably. But there are technical differences:
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“Specific learning disorder” is the term the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses to describe neurodevelopmental disorders that involve consistent difficulty in at least one of three major areas:
Specific learning disorders include:
Nonverbal learning disorders affect activities that don’t involve words or speech, like:
The DSM-5-TR doesn’t currently recognize nonverbal LDs as a type of specific learning disorder. But research shows that about 5% of people with LDs have cognitive and academic difficulties associated with nonverbal LDs.
Nonverbal learning disorders can affect:
Learning disabilities are relatively common. Researchers estimate that 10% of people in the U.S. receive an LD diagnosis at some point in their lives. About 5% of school-aged children globally have LDs.
Dyslexia is the most common. It accounts for at least 80% of LDs.
The main sign of any learning disability is when there’s a difference between a child’s academic potential and their academic performance.
You may notice signs of severe learning disorders at an early age. But parents and teachers don’t typically recognize most mild to moderate learning disorders until school age (5 and older) when challenges in schoolwork appear. And even more severe learning disorders may not be able to be diagnosed until your child is going to school.
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Each type of learning disability has its own signs. But, in general, signs of learning disorders may include difficulties with:
These are just some examples. And they’re not enough to determine if your child has a learning disorder. Only a professional can diagnose a learning disorder.
Your child may have several signs of an LD or just a few. They can also have more than one type of LD.
Learning disorders often affect your child’s self-esteem and how they feel about school. They may also feel frustrated that their performance doesn’t match their peers’. The following behaviors may be signs of a learning disorder:
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If your child is having these difficulties, it’s important to talk with them and find them help.
Researchers still have a lot to learn about learning disabilities and their causes. Currently, they think LDs result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It’s important to note that learning disabilities don’t result from physical sensory issues, like low vision or hearing loss.
Studies show that risk factors for LDs include:
LDs often exist alongside other disorders, including:
Some studies show that LDs affect 20% to 70% of children with psychiatric conditions.
If you think your child has a learning disorder, you should formally request testing through their school system. Schools are required to evaluate a child (age 3 to 21) if they’re suspected of having a disability that affects their learning or educational performance.
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Caregivers and teachers typically suspect learning disabilities once a child is in school. Your child will need to go through special assessments and tests so that a professional can make a diagnosis. Your child’s pediatrician and a school psychologist or child psychologist will be involved in the process.
It’s important to note that a psychologist diagnoses a learning disorder. Your child’s school may identify a learning disability and then act accordingly to do an evaluation and develop a learning plan. The process for a psychological diagnosis and a legal identification per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are slightly different. But they typically involve a combination of:
You’ll work closely with your child’s school personnel and education specialists during this process.
Types of evaluations for learning disabilities — each of which use different assessments — or tests, include:
People with learning disabilities need different or additional help learning. This help — or management — varies based on the type of learning disability and its severity. You and your child may work with several professionals to find the best learning plan for them. This team may include:
In general, educational interventions fall into the following levels:
If your child qualifies for special education services, they’ll receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This personalized education plan:
Some children require specialized learning in only one area while they continue to attend regular classes. Other children may need separate, more intensive educational programs. As required by U.S. law, children with LDs should participate as much as possible in classes with their peers who don’t have LDs.
It may take time to find the best strategy for your child. Know that your diligence in helping your child is worth it.
Learning disabilities aren’t preventable, but they’re often manageable with different strategies. This is most beneficial if your child receives early intervention. You should:
Even though children don’t outgrow learning disabilities, they can learn to adapt and improve their skills. Children who receive early diagnoses and interventions are more likely to overcome challenges while maintaining a positive self-image.
They may also build on personal strengths that tend to come with learning disorders. For example, people with dyslexia are often especially creative. Children with learning disabilities can grow to become very productive and successful adults.
If your child has an LD, they may experience self-esteem issues or believe they aren’t intelligent. They also have a higher risk of developing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Positive support from caregivers, teachers and friends can help your child overcome these obstacles. But don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional, as well.
Learning disabilities are lifelong. This means that adults have learning disabilities, too. Although children typically receive these diagnoses, some people don’t realize they have a learning disability until they’re adults.
It’s important to make sure your child receives help for their learning disability. This may look like:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
You want the best for your child. So it can be difficult to see them struggle in school. Know that learning disabilities are fairly common — and several interventions are available to address your child’s specific needs. Your child’s school personnel, psychologist and healthcare provider will be with you every step of the way.
Last reviewed on 01/16/2024.
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