Learning disorders may also be associated with:

• Conduct disorder
• Attention deficit disorder
• Depression

Do learning disorders affect males, females, or both?

Learning disorders can affect both males and females. However, in the United States more boys than girls are diagnosed with learning disorders.

At what age do learning disorders appear?

Although learning disorders are most likely present when a child is quite young, the specific type of learning disorder is usually diagnosed in early elementary school when reading, math, and writing begin to be used in the classroom.

How prevalent are learning disorders in our society?

About five percent (5%) of students in the United States have learning disorders.

How are learning disorders diagnosed?

Because standardized, group testing is not accurate enough for this purpose, it is very important that special, psychoeducational tests be individually administered to the child to determine if he/she has a learning disorder. In administering the test, the examiner should give special attention to the child’s ethnic and cultural background.

How are learning disorders treated?

Learning disorders are treated with specialized educational methods. In addition to special classroom instruction at school, students with learning disorders frequently benefit from individualized tutoring which focuses on their specific learning problem.

What can people do if they need help?

If you, a friend, or a family member would like more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please discuss your concerns with that person.