Learning Health

A learning disability refers to a neurological condition affecting how the brain processes information, impacting skills like reading, writing, or math, and is distinct from intellectual disability. It is different from a learning difficulty, which is a general term for a difference in processing information. Individuals with a learning disability have an average or above-average IQ, while a learning disability (a broader term) is a reduced intellectual ability with a lifelong impact. 

Learning disabilities (neurological):

• Cause: A neurological condition affecting how the brain receives, processes, or communicates information. 

• Impact: Difficulties with specific academic skills like reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and math (dyscalculia). 

• Intelligence: Average or above-average intelligence. 

• Examples: Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia are common examples of specific learning disabilities. 

• Treatment: Early detection and treatment can help a person learn to manage their challenges. 

Learning disabilities (intellectual):

• Cause: The brain does not develop as it should, which can be identified in early childhood. 

• Impact: Reduced ability to understand new information, learn new skills, and cope independently with daily tasks. 

• Intelligence: Significantly below average, with an IQ of 70 or below. 

• Support: Requires significant support with a variety of activities, including communication, social situations, and managing daily life. 

• Lifelong: This is a lifelong condition that affects development from birth. 

Key differences:

• The main distinction lies in intelligence. People with neurological learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence, while people with intellectual learning disabilities have below-average intelligence. 

• Neurological learning disabilities often focus on a specific area of learning, whereas intellectual learning disabilities affect a person's overall ability to learn and function.