What can be done to prevent the condition?

While there is no known way to prevent all learning disabilities, it is clear that a woman who has good prenatal care gives her child a good start. It is important to avoid pregnancy risk factors such as alcohol or drugs. Also, eating a healthy diet, especially during infancy and early childhood, can help minimize learning disabilities.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If a child with an learning disability is not effectively treated, academic, social, and interpersonal problems are likely to develop. Children who are not doing well in school are more likely to have low self-esteem and lose motivation. They may eventually withdraw from the demands of the people around them.

Children with untreated learning disabilities are at a much higher risk for dropping out of school. Socially, they are often teased and rejected, causing more problems with self-esteem. If left untreated, learning disabilities may cause a lifetime of problems.

What are the risks to others?

Learning disabilities are not contagious. However, the learning disability may be genetic and can be passed on to offspring.