Special Education Resources

Definition of Learning Disabilities

NICHCY Fact Sheet Number 7 (FS7), January 2001
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities

DEFINITION OF LEARNING DISABILITIES

The regulations for Public Law (P.L.) 101-476, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), define a learning disability as a "disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations."

The Federal definition further states that learning disabilities include "such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia." According to the law, learning disabilities do not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; mental retardation; or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. Definitions of learning disabilities also vary among states.

Having a single term to describe this category of children with disabilities reduces some of the confusion, but there are many conflicting theories about what causes learning disabilities and how many there are. The label "learning disabilities" is all-embracing; it describes a syndrome, not a specific child with specific problems. The definition assists in classifying children, not teaching them. Parents and teachers need to concentrate on the individual child. They need to observe both how and how well the child performs, to assess strengths and weaknesses, and develop ways to help each child learn. It is important to remember that there is a high degree of interrelationship and overlapping among the areas of learning. Therefore, children with learning disabilities may exhibit a combination of characteristics.

These problems may mildly, moderately, or severely impair the learning process.

INCIDENCE

Many different estimates of the number of children with learning disabilities have appeared in the literature (ranging from 1% to 30% of the general population). Differences in estimates perhaps reflect variations in the definition. In 1987, the Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities concluded that 5% to 10% is a reasonable estimate of the percentage of persons affected by learning disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education (2000) reported that, in the 1998-99 school year, over 2.8 million children with learning disabilities received special education and related services.

CHARACTERISTICS

Learning disabilities are characterized by a significant difference in the child's achievement in some areas, as compared to his or her overall intelligence.

Students who have learning disabilities may exhibit a wide range of traits, including problems with reading comprehension, spoken language, writing, or reasoning ability. Hyperactivity, inattention, and perceptual coordination problems may also be associated with learning disabilities. Other traits that may be present include a variety of symptoms, such as uneven and unpredictable test performance, perceptual impairments, motor disorders, and behaviors such as impulsiveness, low tolerance for fustruation, and problems in handling day-to-day social interactions and situations.

Learning disabilities may occur in the following academic areas:

Spoken language: Delays, disorders, or discrepancies in listening and speaking;

Written language: Difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling;

Arithmetic: Difficulty in performing arithmetic functions or in comprehending basic concepts;

Reasoning: Difficulty in organizing and integrating thoughts; and

Organization skills: Difficulty in organizing all facets of learning.

Capitalize on the student's strengths;

Provide high structure and clear expectations;

Use short sentences and a simple vocabulary;

Provide opportunities for success in a supportive atmosphere to help build self-esteem;

Allow flexibility in classroom procedures (e.g., allowing the use of tape recorders for note-taking and test-taking when students have trouble with written language);

Make use of self-correcting materials, which provide immediate feedback without embarrassment;

Use computers for drill and practice and teaching word processing;

Provide positive reinforcement of appropriate social skills at school and home; and

Recognize that students with learning disabilities can greatly benefit from the gift of time to grow and mature.

RESOURCES

Directory of facilities and services for the learning disabled (17th ed.). (1998). Novato, CA: Academic Therapy. [Telephone: 1-800-422-7249.]

Journal of Learning Disabilities. Available from Pro-Ed, 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin TX 78758. [Telephone: (512) 451-3246.]

Lab School of Washington. (1993). Issues of parenting children with learning disabilities (audiotape series of 12 lectures). Washington, DC: Author. (Telephone: (202) 965-6600.)

Mackenzie, L. (1997). The complete learning disabilities directory. Lakeville, CT: GreyHouse. (Telephone: (806) 435-0867.)

Silver, L. (1998). The misunderstood child: Understanding and coping with your child's learning disabilities (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Time Books. (Available from Random Books at 1-800-733-3000.)

Smith, S. (1995). No easy answers (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Bantam Books. (Telephone: 1-800-323-9872.)

Update, January 2001

This fact sheet is made possible through Cooperative Agreement #H326N980002 between the Academy for Educational Development and the Office of Special Education Programs. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products or organizations imply endorsement by the U. S. Government.

This information is in the public domain unless otherwise indicated. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY).