Learning Disability
Alternate Names : LD, Academic Disorders, Learning Disorder
When a person has a learning disability, he or she is unable to
obtain or express knowledge appropriately. Learning disabilities may also
involve mental processes used in understanding or using written or spoken
language.
What is going on in the body?
It is generally believed that the brain functions differently in a person with a learning disability. A person with a learning disability has average to above-average intelligence when measured by standardized testing. However, the person's reading, math, or written expression is much lower than expected for age, schooling, and environment. Learning disorders may affect a person's ability to read, write, spell, speak, or perform math problems.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The exact causes of a learning disability are unknown. The way a person's brain works may cause learning disabilities. Certain biological, genetic, or environmental factors are linked with learning disabilities. Boys are affected 4 to 5 times more than girls. Learning disabilities can run in families. The following factors may contribute to the cause of learning disability:
genetics
injury to the fetus
medical problems the mother had during pregnancy
prenatal exposure to drugs,
alcohol, nicotine, or other toxic substances
lead poisoning
premature birth, low birth
weight, or birth trauma
head injury
poor nutrition, either the child's or the mother's when she was pregnant
certain medical problems, such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes
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