A disability may be seen as low level functionality trait of a person which he or she cannot change by himself and herself. In this light, learning disability is one that is related to impair academic functioning.
According to National Institute of Neurological Disorder (NINDS) [1] of the US, ‘learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention.’
"A learning disability is a neurological condition which affects the brain's ability to send, receive, and process information. A child with a learning disability may have difficulties in reading, writing, speaking, listening, understanding mathematical concepts, and with general comprehension. Learning disabilities include a group of disorders such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. Each type of disorder may coexist with another," states White Swan Foundation [2] (2015).
WHO's [3] International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, 2001), views disability as a 'dynamic interaction between health conditions and environmental and personal factors' which indicates that no two learning disabled persons are the same and individualized interventions are required for each such person to improve their functionality.
There are quite a few definitions of learning disability. However, a widely accepted definition of learning disability views this disorder as a neurological condition of individual which affects his or brain's ability to transmit, receive, and process information which is available in language and mathematical codes
Essentially, persons with a learning disability often struggle with the reading, writing, speaking skills as well as understanding math.
ABC POEM ON LEARNING DISABILITIES
Here is my ABC poem on learning disabilities which describes learning disabilities
A: Academic ability and skills are deficit due to brain-related or neurological condition
B: Brain partially able to process abstract codes and meaning making
C: Coordination problem and fine motor deficits
D: Difficulties in reading, writing, speaking, listening, understanding mathematical concepts, and with general comprehension like following directions
E: Emotional and intelligence quotients are average or above average but inattentiveness, coordination deficit and low communication response seriously hamper learning
[1] NINDS. Learning Disabilities Information Page, Accessed at
[2] White Swan Foundation (2015). What is a learning disability (LD)? Accessed at
[3] WHO. (1980). International Classification of Impairment, Disability and Handicap (ICIDH), Geneva: World Health Organization.
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