LDs – which is short for learning disabilities – affect one or more of the ways that a person takes in, stores, or uses information. LDs come in many forms and affect people with varying levels of severity. Between 5 and 10 percent of Canadians have LDs. LDs are a life-long condition – they do not go away – but can be coped with successfully by using areas of strength to compensate and accommodations such as technology.

Often people refer to learning difficulties as learning disabilities, which creates confusion. Individuals can have learning challenges for a variety of reasons, but a learning disability is something specific. An individual who has difficulty learning does not necessarily have a learning disability. For example, individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability do not have a learning disability. It is important to remember a learning disability is an individual performing lower than their potential. In other words, a child may have an average IQ but have a reading score that’s below average – a discrepancy between achievement and potential.

Comorbid conditions are other conditions that commonly occur alongside a learning disability.

ADHD

Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) itself is not a learning disability, many individuals who have a diagnosed or suspected learning disability may also have ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder that can impact both children and adults. It is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and can cause difficulties with hyperactivity and executive functioning which includes organization, attention, memory, self-regulation, and emotion regulation. ADHD can be managed in children with appropriate accommodations and supports from the school or your child’s healthcare team, and can be managed in adulthood with appropriate supports put in place at work and at home.

For more information about ADHD and available supports, please check out the resource below.

Mental Health Concerns

Many individuals who have a learning disability may also have mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety. Individuals with learning disabilities are two to three times more likely to experience these mental health challenges, as a result of difficulties at school or in their social relationships. Due to the stress of repeated difficulties with their academic work, many individuals with a learning disability may act out or shut down in order to avoid “looking stupid” in front of others which further exacerbates their mental health challenges.

For more information about the link between mental health and learning disabilities, and for counselling support, please visit the links below.