Learning Disabilities This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning and discussing how to best help exceptional students. Many of these students are people with learning disabilities. Although it is difficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms, weaknesses and strengths of each disability, it can be very helpful to have a general knowledge of the disabilities that can hinder a student's ability to learn. a student. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learning disability (LD) is a hidden disability. A learning disability does not disfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to show understanding or offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), 1999). Therefore, it will be our responsibility as teachers to provide this understanding and support to children already diagnosed and also to be alert to warning signs that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describes learning disabilities. as follows: BP is a disorder that affects people's ability to interpret what they see and hear or to connect information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can appear in several ways. Such as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can interfere with learning to read, write or math. Learning disabilities can be lifelong problems that, in some cases, affect many aspects of a person's life: school or work, daily routines, family life, and sometimes even. friendships. In some people, many overlapping learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have an isolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of their lives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It is important to remember that the term learning disability does not apply to students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual or hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, or are disadvantaged because of their environment, culture, or economic background (USDepartment of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes a TA is just the start. Diagnosing and treating a learning disability is not...... middle of document ...... American Psychiatric Association (APA: 1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition). Washington DC: Author. Council for Exceptional Children: Division of Learning Disabilities. (1999). Home page of the Council for Exceptional Children. [Online]. Available: http://www.cec.sped.org/home.htmCouncil for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Home page of the Learning Disabilities Council. [Online]. Available: http://www. coe.winthrop. edu/cldLearning Disabilities Association in America. (1998). The Learning Disabilities Association's America's Homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ldanatl.orgNational Center for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Home page of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. [Online]. Available: http://www.ncld.orgNational Institute of Mental Health. (1999). Home page of the National Institute of Mental Health. [Online]. Available: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/home.htmThe International Dyslexia Association. (1999). The home page of the International Dyslexia Association. [Online]. Available :/