For close to a hundred years, psychologists and physicians have described people who were puzzling learners, who could master complex ideas, but seemed intractable in their ability to learn “simple” skills.

Teachers were baffled by students who were obviously bright but who could not learn to read and spell and in some cases do arithmetic.

To describe these puzzling students, the term “learning disabilities” evolved.

 

Students or adults who experience difficulty learning are often frustrated and discouraged and so are their teachers. It is estimated that over 10% of the general population may be affected.

Parents often refer their children for an assessment or evaluation on the recommendation of teachers or physicians, or on their own. Adults usually self-refer.