Learning Disabilities
All children learn and develop at their own speed. When a person has a learning disability, they have trouble with one or more ways the brain takes in, understands, remembers, or shares information. A learning disability can make it harder to build certain skills such as reading, writing, spelling, math, and remembering and organizing information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How common are learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities are very common, affecting an estimated one in five children.
For Parents and Caregivers: What should I do if I suspect my child may have a learning disability?
Start by talking with a medical provider. They can look into learning or development concerns. For children younger than three years, ask about Early Intervention. In New York State, these local programs offer free evaluations and services. For children age three and older, talk with your child's teacher or your school district's special education department about testing and any supports your child may need.
For Youth: What should I do if I think I may have a learning disability?
Talk to an adult your trust, such as a teacher, family member, or medical provider. Tell them what's hard for you or what you're worried about at school.
What kind of help is there for a learning disability?
Common ways to support young people with learning disabilities include:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP): An IEP is a personal learning plan. Parents, educators, and (in some cases) the student develop the plan as members of the committee on special education (CSE). An IEP outlines specific goals, services, and accommodations to support learning.
- 504 plan: Some students need supports that don't require specialized services. A 504 plan, which has fewer requirements than IEPs, is another way to remove barriers to learning.
- Classroom accommodations: Many students benefit from classroom accommodations. Accommodations are supports for learning that take a student's learning disabilities into consideration, changing how, but usually not what, they learn. For example, some students may need extra time for assignments and tests, special seating in the classroom, or assistive technology. Accommodations are stated in the IEP. When the specialized services of an IEP are not needed, students can use a 504 plan to list specific accommodations they need.
What other conditions are common in people with learning disabilities?
Sometimes, learning disabilities occur with other conditions such ADHD, autism, hearing loss, or speech and language disorders. Be open with the medical provider about all symptoms.
Talking with a Medical Provider
When talking with medical providers or specialists, you might want to:
- Bring notes! Ahead of the appointment, take notes on anything you've noticed that worries you. Share any concerns that others have pointed out.
- Discuss if your child's learning and development is typical for their age.
- Ask if there are other providers or specialists your child should be seeing.
- Request that they make recommendations for accommodations needed at school.
What You Can Do at Home
Getting help can take time. While waiting for your appointments or school meetings it may help to:
- Focus on strengths: Praise and encourage your child for their hard work!
- Stay in touch with the school: Building relationships with educators and checking in on progress and support throughout the school year is important.
- Be patient and celebrate small wins: Everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Celebrate success whenever you see it. Encouragement for the little things goes a long way!
Learning about a learning disability and getting help is a journey. You're not alone.
Go Deeper
Find Resources
Search New York State
Families, caregivers, youth, and community partners in New York State can use this searchable resource guide to find information, services, and support. ACT for Youth.
Parent Information and Community
This comprehensive website features a wide array of information and supports for parents raising children with learning disabilities. Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.
Information and Advocacy
Here, find a listing of organizations that offer reliable information about learning disabilities and ADHD for parents, educators, adults and professionals. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA).
Therapies and Supports
Early Intervention
Early support for a child with learning difficulties is important, and Early Intervention services are available nationwide. Early Intervention is for babies and children under age three who may have a developmental delay or disability. The second resource linked below describes the New York State program in over 20 languages. AAP and New York State Department of Health.
Understanding Accommodations
People who learn and think differently often face barriers to learning and getting work done. But schools, workplaces, and society can make changes to remove these barriers so everyone can do their best work. These changes are called accommodations. In many cases, accommodations are legally required to give equal access to people with disabilities. Understood.
Getting an Education: IEP and 504 Plans
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that all individuals can obtain a free and appropriate education. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plan help ensure that all children are able to receive this, regardless of physical or mental disability. AAP.
Tools and Devices to Support Learning
Assistive technology (AT) tools allow people with certain learning disabilities work around challenges. They make tasks and activities accessible at school, work, and home. Understood.
About This Series
This series of handouts and web pages on health conditions was written by clinicians in Weill Cornell Medicine's Pediatric Mental Health Integration Program, partners in the ACT for Youth CYSHCN Program Center of Excellence at Cornell University.
