Learning to Overcome: Learning Disabilities in the US

 I was contacted by Cara from Special Education Degree about sharing an infographic about learning disabilities that her team had created.  Learning disabilities is a topic I touch on often in my blog. In my home we have a variety of different learners, and I value the importance of educating others on what LDs are, and further spreading awareness that will lead to meaningful change. It's my view that LDs aren't overcome, as much as need to be taught differently than the rest of the population. The more we can understand, and effectively customize education efforts for the differently minded, the better the outcome will be for these unique individuals.

Below is a message from the people at Special Education Degree:

Learning to Overcome: Learning Disabilities in the U.S.

Chances are, you or someone you know has been diagnosed with some type of learning disability. It is estimated that 4-6% of the population in the United States has some type of learning disability.  While many view these individuals as lacking in intelligence, this couldn’t be further from the truth. www.special-education-degree.net has created an infographic detailing the statistics behind learning disabilities, the top five diagnosed learning disabilities, and how things we take for granted, such as an education and employment, seem to be a challenge for those with a learning disability.


 Learning disabilities are no longer limited to Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.  The top six most commonly diagnosed learning disabilities are Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, ADHD, and Gerstmann’s Syndrome.  Each one with unique symptoms and effects.  Many of these learning disabilities will start affecting children at a low age.  For instance, preschoolers with a learning disability may have trouble pronouncing words, have difficulty trying to use zippers or buttons, and may have trouble maintaining control of a pencil or crayon. As children age, these symptoms will evolve into more evident struggles.

For many individuals with learning disabilities, graduating from high school-or even college, may seem impossible.  While 74% of the general population will graduate from high school, 67% of those with learning disabilities will not.  While 28% of high school graduates will enroll in a four year college, only 10% of those with learning disabilities will enroll.  With 76% of the nation employed, only 55% of those with learning disabilities will gain employment.



Source: Special-Education-Degree.net