What is Learning Disability?

Learning disability is not the same thing as mental retardation or autism. LD is a general term that describes a disorder found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills. It’s a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. Learning disabilities (LD) vary from person to person. One person with learning disabilities may not have the same kind of learning problems as another person with learning disabilities. One person may have trouble with reading and writing. Another person with learning disabilities may have problems with understanding math. Still another person may have trouble in each of these areas, as well as with understanding what people are saying. However, learning disabilities do not include, "learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.” Children with learning disabilities are not "dumb" or "lazy." In fact, they usually have average or above average intelligence. Their brains just process information differently. There is no "cure" for learning disabilities. They are life-long. However, children with learning disabilities can be high achievers and can be taught ways to get around the learning disability. With the right help, children with learning disabilities can and do learn successfully.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why.

Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.

Of course, all kids (especially younger ones) act this way at times, particularly when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are present over a longer period of time and occur in different settings. They impair a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home.

The good news is that with proper treatment, kids with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, it was renamed ADHD and broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors:

1. An Inattentive Type, with signs that include:

       inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities

       difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities

       apparent listening problems

       difficulty following instructions

       problems with organization

       avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort

       tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework

       distractibility

       forgetfulness in daily activities

2. A Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, with signs that include:

       fidgeting or squirming

       difficulty remaining seated

       excessive running or climbing

       difficulty playing quietly

       always seeming to be "on the go"

       excessive talking

       blurting out answers before hearing the full question

       difficulty waiting for a turn or in line

       problems with interrupting or intruding

3. A Combined Type, which involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common

Although it can be challenging to raise kids with ADHD, it's important to remember they aren't "bad," "acting out," or being difficult on purpose. And they have difficulty controlling their behavior without medication or behavioral therapy.