How can I find out if I have a learning disability?

Question

I have a heard time learner from others but if I am alone by myself I can teach myself easily. I also have alot of trouble making small talk with people. I think I have some sort of learning disability.

Answer 1

Do you mean you can learn quite well from books and other visual information and by doing hands on stuff rather than in a class where the teacher is talking.

It may be that you have a visual/kinesthetic (tactile) learning style.

If you think you may have a learning disability get tested by an educational psychologist. I'm not sure about other places but in Australia they are the only ones who are qualified to assess you for a learing disability.

The bit about having trouble with small talk with people may just mean you are shy.

Answer 2

Don't worry about your having trouble making small talk--small talk is reserved for acquaintances you don't really like and, assuming you're a kid, adults other than your parents, so it's going to be difficult/awkward whether or not you've got a learning disability. To address the other issue, your having trouble learning from others, make arrangements to take an IQ test proctored by a psychologist/psychiatrist. Most learning disabilities are extrapolated from unusually discrepant test results (e.g. a verbal IQ >=115 and a performance IQ <=100) and/or a significant discrepancy between test results and school performance. My guess is that you'd score higher on an IQ test than your grades might predict. I bet yours is a textbook case of unrecognized giftedness and that you'd benefit from alternative schooling.

Answer 3

Get the school psychologist to give you an assessment.

Answer 4

How are your grades?  Have your teachers ever mentioned a problem to your parents?  This is something that is usually caught early, so if nothing has ever been said you probably don't have a problem.  If you feel strongly about this talk to the diagnostician at your school and ask if you can be tested.

At many schools the diagnostician is not on campus daily so ask in the office what his or her schedule is.

Answer 5

If you are still in public school, you need a referral for testing. If you are 18 you can refer yourself, otherwise your parent/guardian will have to do it. Once a referral starts, federal law allows 90 days to obtain test results and meet.

Generally, a person with a specific learning disability (SLD) has difficulty with reading, writing, or math. It can also refer to a combination of these and/or a few less often determined areas, like auditory processing.

Reading problems may be in basic reading (how letters are put together to make sounds in words) and/or comprehension (understanding what you read).

Math problems may be in calculations ( +, -, *, / ) &/or mathematical reasoning (figuring out how to go about solving a problem).

Writing is not broken down into separate areas, but the individual tests cover a range of things, like grammar, spelling, making sentences, antonyms, sequencing ideas, synonyms, or analogies.

To determine the areas of specific learning disabilities, a psychologist gives an ability test (measures IQ - intellectual quotient) and someone gives achievement tests in subject areas (math, reading, and writing). A standard score is obtained from each test given. The achievement scores are subtracted from the ability score. When you have fifteen points or more difference, then you qualify as SLD in those areas: mostly basic reading, reading comprehension, math calculations, math reasoning, and/or writing. (Some states use less than 15 points, but the law says it must be significant.)

The special ed law is IDEA, sometimes now referred to as IDEiA since being reauthorized again in 2004.

Answer 6

be examined by a doctor for your eyes. ears and speech. if you have no problems in these areas you can learn.

Answer 7

Contrary to what the last poster said, the school system does not always catch everyone early on, and you can still get good grades, even if you do have LD. Many people with LD have above average intelligence, and they often use this to compensate for their LD, thus never reaching their full potential.

How old are you? If you are still in school, I would let your parents and teachers know how you are struggling. Your parents can request an evaluation in writing to the school ,and they have 90 days to comply and evaluate you. If you do have LD, they can offer you much support and work with you to determine your learning style and do their beds to accommodate your needs.

If your in university, your university surely has a disability support centre. Go and talk to them. They may be able to give you some screening tests for a free or a small fee. They also may be able to evaluate you there. or they can point you in the direction of someone who can. IF you do have LD, universities will do their best to accommodate you.

If you are out of school, you may not want an evaluation. You obviously made it this far, and in the working world, the label LD doesn't do much for you. However, if you would lie the evaluation for your own peace of mind, or to help determine things ot help you learn go for it. Evaluations can be pricey. I would go and talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to the proper person to evaluate you.

Good luck, and email me if you want to talk about LD!

Answer 8

Take a look at what vichick said. She has it right. Don't e-mail any one that would attempt to figure out what's wrong by reading one paragraph.

Answer 9

i would like to say i think you have a slight autism

i am very knowlagble about special ed. so please email me

[e-mail]

tell me your grade

and if your in any special class

has an iep

and stuff like that

i hope i can help