erm learning disability does not apply tostudents who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visualor hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, ordisadvantaged due to their environment, culture or economic background (USDepartment of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes a LD is only the beginning. Diagnosing andtreating a learning disability is not a diagnosis in the same sense asdiabetes or chicken pox. These have a known cause, distinct symptoms andtreatments. LD, on the other hand, is a very broad term that covers an arrayof possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. There is nomedication to cure a learning disability (NCLD, 1999). If seen listed, thenumber of disabilities may be daunting. However, The Diagnostic andStatistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed. (DSM-IV) (DSM-IV, 1994)divides LDs into three broad categories. The first category is Developmental Speech and Language Disorders. Thisincludes disorders where children have trouble controlling their rate ofspeech and may be behind their peers in learning certain speech sounds. Difficulty being able to express oneself through speech as well as troubleunderstanding certain aspects of speech all fall within this category(Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA), 1999). The second category is Academic Skills Disorders. Under this categoryfalls Developmental Reading Disorder, more commonly known as dyslexia. Reading disorders are believed to effect 2-8% of all elementary schoolchildren(The International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 1999). DevelopmentalWriting Disorder, where a child has difficulty with vocabulary, grammar, handmovement or memory and Developmental Arithmetic Disorder where a child hasdifficulty recognizing numbers and symbols and understanding abstractconcepts also fall under this category. The last category is known as other Learning Disabilities. The mostcommonly known ar...
