Learning Disabilities
A learning disability is 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. This section provides a wealth of information about learning disabilities, the most common of which is dyslexia — difficulty with language and reading. Be sure to also visit our sister site LD OnLine, the leading website on learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and other professionals.
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By: Kristin Stanberry and Lee Swanson (2009)
Research-based information and advice for sizing up reading programs and finding the right one for your child with a learning disability.
By: Kristin Stanberry and Marshall H. Raskind (2009)
Find out how to select assistive technology tools that address your child's specific writing difficulties.
By: Kristin Stanberry and Marshall H. Raskind (2009)
Learn about assistive technology tools that help with reading.
By: Kristin Stanberry and Marshall H. Raskind (2009)
If your child has a learning disability, she may benefit from assistive technology tools that play to her strengths and work around her challenges.
By: Reading Rockets (2009)
For almost 40 percent of kids, learning to read is a challenge. So in addition to talking, reading, and writing with your child, families play another important role — being on the lookout for early signs of possible trouble.
By: Ania Siwek (2009)
A psychologist specializing in language-based learning disabilities explains how to talk to children about their LD: All the parts you need to be smart are in your brain. Nothing is missing or broken. The difference between your brain and one that doesn't have an LD is that your brain gets "traffic jams" on certain highways.
By: Reading Rockets (2009)
By: Louisa Moats and Carol Tolman (2008)
Researchers have identified three kinds of developmental reading disabilities that often overlap but that can be separate and distinct: (1) phonological deficit, (2) processing speed/orthographic processing deficit, and (3) comprehension deficit.
By: LD OnLine (2008)
Learning disabilities (LD) come in several forms. Learn more about them, how they're identified — and what type of instruction benefits students with LD.
By: Susan Hall (2008)
How do parents know if their child's reading delay is a real problem or simply a "developmental lag?" How long should parents wait before seeking help if their child is struggling with reading? Susan Hall answers these questions.
By: International Dyslexia Association (2008)
Spelling is a challenge for people with dyslexia. The International Dyslexia Association provides a fact sheet explaining why people with dyslexia have trouble spelling, how to find out the reasons a particular child has this difficulty, and how to help children with dyslexia spell better.
By: Reading Rockets (2008)
Children who struggle with reading often need extra help. This help usually comes from the school, but some parents choose to look outside of the school for professionals who can assess, diagnose, tutor, or provide other education services. The following article provides information on how to find the right person for your child.
By: Voice of America (2008)
Teachers and parents should suspect dysgraphia if a child's handwriting is unusually difficult to read. Find out more about this neurological problem that can cause physical pain as some children struggle to write.
By: Regina G. Richards (2008)
Eli, a young boy, tells us what it is like to have dysgraphia. Regina Richards, a well-known expert on dysgraphia (and Eli's mom), explains how to help children who struggle with the challenges Eli describes. Practical techniques discussed include POWER (Prepare, Organize, Write, Edit, Revise) and providing authentic positive comments that move the child forward.
By: The Access Center (2008)
Peer tutoring links high achieving students with lower achieving students or those with comparable achievement for structured learning. It's an effective educational strategy for classrooms of diverse learners, including students with disabilities, because it promotes academic gains as well as social enhancement. This brief discusses three research-supported peer tutoring strategies: Cross-Age Tutoring; Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS); and Reciprocal Peer Tutoring (RPT).
By: Access Center (2008)
This brief provides an overview of computer-assisted instruction and looks at how writing software can help students with developing ideas, organizing, outlining, brainstorming, and minimizing the physical effort spent on writing so that students can pay attention to organization and content.
By: Access Center (2008)
Writing is a highly complex language skill. Without skilled, systematic instruction, many students particularly those with disabilities may not become proficient writers. At stake is access to the general education curriculum. This brief discusses developmental stages, why writing may pose particular challenges for students with disabilities, and what areas should be the focus for remediation.
By: Dale S. Brown and Karen Ford (2007)
Here are some concrete suggestions for teachers who want to communicate well with all of their students, especially English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Incorporate these suggestions and you will reach many more students.
By: International Dyslexia Association (2007)
Do you think your child or student might have dyslexia? "Dyslexia Basics," a factsheet by International Dyslexia Association," tells you the definition, symptoms, causes and effects. Find out how to help.
By: FPG Child Development Institute (2007)
Can teachers and parents of preschoolers identify learning problems early enough to prevent problems later in school? The Recognition & Response model helps adults know what to look for and how to help, so that later remediation and special education may not be necessary.
- For older articles, see the Learning Disabilities Archives >









