Learning disabilities are also more common in boys than in girls. Learning disabilities are often identified by school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and neuropsychologists through a combination of intelligence testing, academic achievement testing, classroom performance, and social interaction and aptitude. Other areas of assessment may include perception, cognition, memory, attention, and language abilities. Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age.

Learning disabilities are characterized by intra-individual differences, usually in the form of a discrepancy between a student’s ability and his or her achievement in areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, or speaking. Although they cannot be the primary problem, some students with LD also have difficulties with social relations. Learning disabilities are conditions that cause a discrepancy between potential and actual levels of academic performance as predicted by the person’s intellectual abilities.
Learning disabilities are lifelong, and although they won’t go away, they don’t have to stop a person from setting high standards and achieving realistic goals. Learning disabilities affect every person differently, and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Learning disabilities are often complex and confusing issues, not only for the students involved but also for their parents and teachers.

