What is a learning disability?

Learning disabilities are real challenges that are not related to intelligence. They impact millions of kids and adults in the United States. And people who have them are not at all “lazy.”  

Learning disabilities are caused by differences in the brain. And they often are hereditary. These challenges can impact people at school, at work, and in everyday life. But the good news is there are strategies and supports that can help people with learning disabilities thrive.

In this episode, listen as Julian explains:

• What learning disabilities are and how they are diagnosed
• The differences between an IEP and a 504 plan
• Ways to tell if a child is struggling with a learning disability

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Related resources

• Understood Explains podcast episode: How to decide if your child needs a special education evaluation
• What are learning disabilities?
• Learning about evaluations

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give