Learning Disabilities

learning disabilities Disorders such as dyslexia that affect people’s ability to either interpret what they see and hear or connect information across different areas of the brain.

Although everyone has a learning style, a portion of the population has what is characterized as a learning disability. In addition to its focus on learning styles, this chapter explores learning disabilities, which are very common among college students. You might know someone who has been diagnosed with a learning disability, such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder. It is also possible that you have a special learning need and are not aware of it. This section seeks to increase your self-awareness and your knowledge about such challenges to learning. In reading this section, you will learn more about common types of learning disabilities, how to recognize them, and what to do if you or someone you know has a learning disability.

Learning disabilities are usually recognized and diagnosed in grade school, but some students can successfully compensate for a learning problem, perhaps without realizing that’s what it is, and reach college without having been properly diagnosed or assisted. Learning disabilities affect people’s ability to interpret what they see and hear or to link information across different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties can impede learning to read, write, or do math. The term learning disability covers a broad range of possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose a learning disability or pinpoint the causes. The types of learning disabilities that most commonly affect college students are attention disorders and disorders that affect the development of academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics.