Myths and Facts about Learning Disabilities

LDs are a life-long condition that affects people differently depending on the situation.  In order to find good, effective strategies for compensating and success we need to understand how a person’s learning profile interacts with their environment.

1. Myth:  People with LDs cannot learn.

Fact:

• People with LDs are smart and can learn.
• LDs mean learning in different ways.

2.  Myth:  People with LDs are just lazy.

Fact:

• People with LDs often have to work harder, but the results may not show their efforts.
• Some people with LDs may become discouraged because they have struggled so hard, and they may appear unmotivated or lazy.

3. Myth:  Accommodations give an unfair advantage.

Fact:

• Fair is not always equal.
• Accommodations allow people with LDs to work to their level of their ability and not their disability.

4. Myth:  All LDs are outgrown by adulthood.

Fact:

• LDs tend to be noticed most often in school, but can affect all areas of life.
• Often by adulthood, people have found ways to use their strengths to compensate for their LDs.  Many adults seek work environments that are a good fit.

5. Myth:  LDs are all the same.

Fact:

• LDs are complicated and vary from person to person.
• LDs come in many forms and affect everyone differently.
• The impact of LDs may change in different settings depending on the demands of the situation.