Learning Disabilities -- American Academy of Neurology

NINDS Disorders is an index of neurological conditions provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This valuable tool offers detailed descriptions, facts on treatment and prognosis, and patient organization contact information for over 500 identified neurological disorders.

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age. Research shows that 8 to 10 percent of American children under 18 years of age have some type of learning disability.

Treatment

The most common treatment for learning disabilities is special education. Specially trained educators may perform a diagnostic educational evaluation assessing the child's academic and intellectual potential and level of academic performance. Once the evaluation is complete, the basic approach is to teach learning skills by building on the child's abilities and strengths while correcting and compensating for disabilities and weaknesses. Other professionals such as speech and language therapists also may be involved. Some medications may be effective in helping the child learn by enhancing attention and concentration. Psychological therapies may also be used.

Research

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) support research learning disabilities through grants to major research institutions across the country. Current research avenues focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat learning disabilities and increase understanding of their biological basis.

View a list of studies currently seeking patients.

View more studies on this condition.

Read additional information from Medline Plus.

Organizations

CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Works to improve the lives of people affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education, and support and offers the National Resource Center on AD/HD at www.help4adhd.org.

8181 Professional Place
Suite 150

Landover, MD 20785

ruth_hughes@chadd.org

http://www.chadd.org

Tel: 301-306-7070 800-233-4050

Fax: 301-306-7090

International Dyslexia Association

Promotes effective teaching approaches and related clinical educational intervention strategies for people with dyslexia; supports and encourages interdisciplinary study and research; and facilitates exploration of the causes and early identification of dyslexia. Committed to the responsible and wide dissemination of research-based knowledge.

40 York Road
4th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21204

info@interdys.org

http://www.interdys.org

Tel: 410-296-0232 800-ABCD123

Fax: 410-321-5069

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Dedicated to identifying causes and promoting prevention of learning disabilities and to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families by encouraging effective identification and intervention, fostering research, and protecting their rights under the law.

4156 Library Road
Suite 1

Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349

info@ldaamerica.org

http://www.ldaamerica.org

Tel: 412-341-1515

Fax: 412-344-0224

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Provides information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster learning, and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities.

381 Park Avenue South
Suite 1401

New York, NY 10016

ncld@ncld.org

http://www.ld.org

Tel: 212-545-7510 888-575-7373

Fax: 212-545-9665