Learning disabilities (LDs) impact the way people (both children and adults) process information, but have nothing to do with intelligence. Many people with learning disabilities have average to above average IQs Although most people consider the negative impact LDs can have on a child during school, these are lifelong conditions and can also have a major impact in both social situations and in the workplace.

Dyslexia (a reading learning disorder) is the most well known learning disability, however, there are many different types of LD. Some of the most common include: 

• Dyscalculia (arithmetic learning disorder)
• Dysgraphia (writing disorder)
• Auditory and Visual Processing Disorder (difficulty understanding written or spoken words without vision or hearing problems)
• Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational and evaluative processing) 

Eight percent of the population and between twenty percent and thirty percent of people with ADHD have some type of learning disability.  [1] ADHD is not considered to be a learning disability, even though it can sometimes interfere with a person's ability to learn. It does not interfere with the processing of information in the brain, but instead impacts a person's ability to focus and pay attention and can cause impulsiveness and hyperactivity, making it difficult for someone to sit still in structured learning situations such as school.

Some student advocates believe that the rate of children with ADHD that also have LDs that all children with ADHD should be tested for learning disabilities but most school districts will not test children unless specific symptoms of learning disabilities are present.

Early Signs of Learning Disabilities

Although each learning disability is different and symptoms can be different from person to person, there are a number of symptoms that appear in early childhood that may signify a possible learning disability. LDOnline.com some of the symptoms include: 

• Delayed language development
• Difficulty with pronunciation
• Limited vocabulary
• Problems finding the correct word
• Problems with rhyming
• Delay in learning ABCs, numbers, colors or shapes
• Easily distracted, problems focusing or restless
• Difficulty interacting with other children or in other social situations
• Problems following directions
• Delay in fine motor skills 

Parents often notice when their child has learning differences and difficulties, even if they cannot explain or describe the difficulties. However, early intervention can lead to greater success. When parents notice a child not meeting developmental milestones, seeking professional help can produce long-term benefits.

Learning Disabilities in School

Federal law requires schools to provide special services to children when a learning disability interferes with their ability to learn. Either parents or teachers can request an evaluation be completed to determine if a child has a LD.