A learning disorder is an umbrella phrase to describe difficulties and differences in mastering core reading, writing, and math skills. Learning disorders do not reflect intelligence.
In the United States the phrase Specific Learning Disorder is used as a diagnosis and refers to 3 specific areas of learning difficulties: reading, writing, and math. The phrase Learning Disability is used when a person's specific learning disorder significantly impacts how they understand and interpret information. In the United Kingdom, Learning Disorder/Disability has a different, broader definition.
This guide focuses on the 3 areas of a Specific Learning Disability: Dyslexia (difficulty with reading), Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), and Dyscalculia (difficulty with math).
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Learning disabilities expert Dr. Sheldon Horowitz explains the different types of learning disabilities and their impact on people with LD.
Service users from the Estia Centre share what having a learning disability means to them. The Estia Centre is a specialist training, research and development resource for people who support adults with a learning disability, autism and additional mental health needs.
The Brain Clinic (www.thebrainclinic.com) specializes in diagnosing and treating adult ADD, learning disabilities, mild head injuries, bipolar disorder, depression, and pain management. Treatment can include psychotherapy, cognitive remediation, neurofeedback, and biofeedback.
Becoming a physician is hard enough, but MUSC cardiologist John proves that overcoming dyslexia, attention deficit and other processing deficits is not an insurmountable task. John scored zero on his MCAT reading, but is now a doctor.