Different Types of LDs
LDs take so many forms, and vary in intensity so much, that it is not simple to list them all, but there are some broad categories which they all fall into:
LDs that affect organisation and Focus:
A series of executive functions allow us to do things like plan, predict, organize and focus. LDs that interfere with these things can interfere with how we manage our lives and physical space. ADHD, which does affect executive functions, is coming to be seen as an LD because of this.
LDs that Affect Social Life:
We learn how to be socially successful, even though we don't notice that we're learning. So LDs that make it difficult to interpret facial expressions, body language, or tones of voice can have a real impact on a person's social life.
LDs that affect Physical Interaction With the World:
Again, without knowing, we are constantly receiving information about our surroundings and about our bodies: our balance, coordination and movement are all based on this information. So an LD that interferes with how we understand that information can cause a person to be uncoordinated or “clumsy.”
LDs that Affect Academics:
Difficulties with spelling, reading, listening, focussing, remembering and writing can all have an impact on all areas of school-subjects.
Another way of categorizing LDs is by the specific area of processing involved – getting information into the brain (INPUT), making sense of this information (INTEGRATION), storing and later retrieving this information (MEMORY) or getting this information back out (OUTPUT). To read an article about this framework from the Learning Disabilities Association of America, please select this link.
LDAO Snapshots. We've created some one-page descriptions of a variety of types of LD and related issues; these are downloadable and printable, with some rights reserved. For more information on these Snapshots, please select this link.
Essentially, however, it is most useful to know that LDs can impact on anything we learn – and we learn most of what we know. The good news is that since LDs affect certain specific modes of learning, other modes can always be used to compensate.
For more information on topics related to this page please see the list below.
Other Resources about LDs
Courses
Parent Workshop Series: Setting Up Your Child For Success
News
Decision In Moore Case Ruling Will Be Appealed
Putting a Canadian Face on Learning Disabilities: The PACFOLD Project
Two Valuable New Resources for People Working with Students who have Learning Disabilities
Articles
Asperger Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Assessment of Learning Disabilities
Building a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
How Do I Find the Right Camp for My Child?
Considering Coexisting Conditions or Comorbidity
Dysgraphia: The Handwriting Learning Disability
Early Identification of LD: The Pediatrician's Role
Early Identification of LD: The Pediatrician's Role
Helping Children Leave the Nest
Introduction to LDs For Adults with LDs, by Adults with LDs
Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Learning Disabilities and Behavioural/Emotional Problems
Overcoming the Odds: Adults with LDs
Possibilities and Pitfalls: Employment and Learning Disabilities
Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
What Are Nonverbal Learning Disabilities?
Why Do Some Children Have Difficulty Learning To Read?
Recommended Practices For Assessment, Diagnosis and Documentation of Learning Disabilities
Checklist of Indicators of LDs
Psychological Assessments for Learning Disabilities
Resources
Richard Lavoie: How Difficult Can This Be? F.A.T. City--A Learning Disabilities Workshop
Learning Disabilities On The Job!
Learning Disabilities On The Job! - Text Only Version
The Source for Learning Disabilites
Learning How to Learn: Getting into and Surviving College When You Have a Learning Disabilit
Embracing the Monster: Overcoming the Challenges of Hidden Disabilities
Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors: A Guide to Intervention and Classroom Management
Other Resources about Nonverbal LDs
Articles
Adults With Visual-Spatial Learning Disabilities
Asperger Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Social Skills and Adults with Learning Disabilities
Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
What Are Nonverbal Learning Disabilities?
Resources
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and their Clinical Subtypes: Assessment, Diagnosis and Management
Bridging the Gap: Raising a Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder
Other Resources about ADHD
Courses
Professionals Workshop Series: Introduction to LDs and ADHD
Parent Workshop Series: Setting Up Your Child For Success
News
LDA of Canada (LDAC) ADHD Resolution, adopted June 2007
Articles
Considering Coexisting Conditions or Comorbidity
Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Possibilities and Pitfalls: Employment and Learning Disabilities
Resources
Understanding Girls with AD/HD
Embracing the Monster: Overcoming the Challenges of Hidden Disabilities
Organisations
Other Resources about Mathematics
Resources
Marshmallow Math: Early Math for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Primary School Children
Other Resources about Dyslexia
Articles
Why Do Some Children Have Difficulty Learning To Read?
Resources
Other Resources about Reading
Articles
Principles for Learning To Read
Other Resources about Writing
Articles
Dysgraphia: The Handwriting Learning Disability
Written Expressive Difficulties in Children: Suggestions For Teachers
Resources
Other Resources about Academics
Articles
Assistive and Adaptive Technology
Strategies for Increasing Reading Comprehension
Students with Learning Disabilities
A Parent's Guide to the IPRC and IEP
Resources
Other Resources about At School
Courses
Parent Workshop Series: Setting Up Your Child For Success
Articles
Building a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
Technology Supports for Students with Learning Disabilities
A Parent's Guide to the IPRC and IEP
Resources
Other Resources about At Work
News
Ontario Skills Passport has New Features
Articles
Cognitive Demands of the Workplace
Resources
Les troubles d'apprentissage au travail
Other Resources about Education
Courses
Parent Workshop Series: Setting Up Your Child For Success
News
Articles
Building a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
Helping Young Children with Learning Disabilities at Home
Learning Disabilities and Behavioural/Emotional Problems
Learning from a Native Perspective
Principles for Learning To Read
The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Schools
Strategies for Increasing Reading Comprehension
Why Do Some Children Have Difficulty Learning To Read?
A Parent's Guide to the IPRC and IEP
Resources
Richard Lavoie: How Difficult Can This Be? F.A.T. City--A Learning Disabilities Workshop
abc123: Tips for Helping Elementary Students at Home
LDAO Stay in School Poster - french version
Tip Sheets for Parents about Education
Learning How to Learn: Getting into and Surviving College When You Have a Learning Disabilit
Other Resources about Written-Expression
Articles
Written Expressive Difficulties in Children: Suggestions For Teachers
