The Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County, MD an affiliate of LDA of America and LDA-MD

WHAT IS A LEARNING DISABILITY?
A learning disability is a neurological condition that interferes with a person's ability to store, process, or produce information. Learning disabilities can affect one's ability to read, write, speak, spell, compute math, reason and also affect a person's attention, memory, coordination, social skills and emotional maturity. Common learning disabilities include: • Dyslexia - a language-based disability in which a person has trouble with specific language skills, particularly reading. • Dyscalculia - a mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts. • Dysgraphia - a writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters, write within a defined space and express ideas. Learning disabilities should not be confused with other disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness, and behavioral disorders. None of these conditions are learning disabilities. Attention disorders, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities often occur at the same time, but the two disorders are not the same. SOME WARNING SIGNS Does the child/adult have difficulty ... Pre-School • with pronunciation? • making rhymes? • learning numbers, alphabet, days ofthe week, colors and shapes? • following directions or learning routines? • with buttoning, zipping, typing skills? Grades K-4 • learning the connection between letters and sounds? • confusing basic words? (run, eat, want) with letter reversals (b/d, inversions (m/w), • transpositions (felt/left), and substitutions (house/home) ? • learning basic math concepts? • learning about time? Grades 5-8 • withxeading comprehension or math skills? • with letter sequences? (soiled for solid, left for felt) • keeping up with papers or assignments? handwriting? • understanding oral discussions and • expressing thoughts aloud? High School and Adults • spelling the same word differently in a single document? • open-ended questions on tests? • memory skills? • grasping abstract concepts? • focusing on details? • misreading information?