Learning Disabilities

A learning disability (LD) is a disorder that affects a child's ability to interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. This section provides a wealth of information about learning disabilities, the most common of which is dyslexia — difficulty with language and reading. Also visit our sister site LD OnLine, the leading website on learning disabilities for parents and educators.

Featured partner: National Center on Learning Disabilities

Featured Video: Learning Disabilities

See all Learning Disabilities video

Our PBS Series:
Launching Young Readers

Reading Rocks!

Meet real-life children who struggle with reading but don't give up! A lively show geared for kids.

Empowering Parents

Learn the warning signs for a child who may have difficulties with reading and why early intervention is so important.

The Basics

Orton–Gillingham: What You Need to Know

7 Things to Know About the 1 in 5 with Learning and Attention Issues

Creating Positive School Experiences for Students with Disabilities

Dyslexia Basics

RTI Goes to Pre-K

Learning Disabilities: An Overview

About Reading Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Reading Difficulties

Clues to Dyslexia from Second Grade On

Clues to Dyslexia in Early Childhood

For Parents

Dav Pilkey portrait with cartoon drawing

Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators: Talking About Learning and Attention Issues

8 Tips for Talking to Your Child’s Teacher About Dyslexia

FAQs About Evaluations for Learning and Attention Issues

It Took Me Too Long to Decode My Daughter’s Dyslexia

Recognizing Reading Problems

Help Your Child with a Learning Disability Be More Independent with Assistive Technology

5 Things Your Grade-Schooler With Dyslexia Can Say to Self-Advocate

6 Multisensory Techniques for Teaching Handwriting

Graphic Organizers to Help Kids With Writing

When Writing Is Hard

Common Signs of Dyslexia

How Do You Know If Your Child Might Have a Learning Disability?

For Teachers

Teacher with small group of elementary kids in classroom

Inclusive Classrooms: Getting Started

Small group of elementary students discussing read aloud book with teacher

Literacy in the Inclusive Classroom

Common Types of Reading Problems and How to Help Children Who Have Them

teacher reading to early elementary class

11 Methods for Teaching Reading That Help Struggling Readers

Lazy Kid or Executive Dysfunction?

Do You See What I Mean? Visual Literacy Supports for Students with Disabilities

Communication Strategies for All Classrooms: Focusing on English Language Learners and Students with Learning Disabilities

Using Peer Tutoring to Facilitate Access

Asian elementary teacher helping small group of students with writing

Teaching Writing to Students with LD

What Are Classrooms Like for Students with Learning Disabilities?

Vocabulary Assessment and Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities in English Language Learners

Professional Development Webcasts

Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in these engaging roundtable discussions. Each webcast features a 60–minute video as well as recommended readings and suggested discussion questions.

The Role of RTI in LD Identification

Implementing Response to Intervention in Early Childhood Settings

Talking Tutoring

Teaching Writing

English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities