What Is a Learning Disability?
Learning that embraces every mind
Inclusive, accessible & neurodivergent-friendly learning for students, families, teachers and carers.
Definition & Quick Facts
A learning disability is a neurological difference that affects how someone learns, understands, or processes information. It does not mean a person is lazy or less intelligent — it simply means they learn in a different way and may need learning to be presented differently.
- Learning disabilities are usually lifelong, but many supports exist.
- They can affect reading, writing, math, organisation, social understanding, or processing.
- Early identification + inclusive teaching = better outcomes.
Signs & Traits
Signs can look different for each person. One learner may struggle with reading, another with maths, another with social or spatial skills (such as in NVLD).
| Area | Possible Signs |
|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | Slow reading, letter reversals, trouble getting ideas on paper, difficulty following written instructions. |
| Math | Trouble with number sense, patterns, sequencing, word problems, or remembering steps (common in dyscalculia). |
| Spatial / NVLD | Struggles to interpret body language or visual layouts, difficulty with maps or distance, may miss non-verbal cues. |
| Memory & Processing | Needs instructions repeated, loses place, takes longer to respond. |
| Social / Emotional | Frustration, withdrawal, anxiety, or taking things literally in classroom conversations. |
Common Types of Learning Disabilities
Here are some of the most commonly recognised learning disabilities. Each one can have its own page under this Education Hub.
How It Affects Learning
Learning disabilities can affect how information is received (hearing/seeing), how it is processed (thinking/remembering), and how it is expressed (speaking/writing/doing).
- 🧠 Extra time helps — many learners process at a slower pace.
- 📝 Visuals, diagrams, and step-by-step breakdowns support understanding.
- 💬 One-to-one teaching or small-group settings reduce overwhelm.
- 🎨 Many learners show strong creativity, verbal strengths, and pattern-spotting skills.
Support & Teaching Strategies
ND-friendly classrooms can make a huge difference. These strategies can be used in schools, homes, therapy spaces, and community learning hubs.
- Use visual schedules and first-then charts.
- Chunk work into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Allow alternative ways to show learning (draw, record, type, talk).
- Use assistive technology where available.
- Build in calm corners or breaks for regulation.
Language Matters
How we talk about learning disabilities shapes how learners feel. We want to model respectful, empowering language for teachers, families, and students.
- ✅ Say: “a student with a learning disability” or “a neurodivergent learner”.
- ✅ Say: “needs support with reading / maths / processing”.
- 🚫 Avoid: “slow,” “behind,” “lazy”.
- ✅ Focus on strengths + support needs, not deficits.
- ✅ Use “accommodations,” “adaptations,” “learning pathways”.
Words can include or exclude. We choose inclusion.
“Every learner deserves to be understood, not compared.”
— Kerrin Maclean, Aspie Answers
Downloads & Resources
Printable PDFs and Canva-ready templates for educators, families, and support workers.
Teacher Quick Guide (PDF) ND-Friendly Learning Checklist Calm Corner Reflection Page