Learning Disability (Causes)

Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, affect a person's ability to understand or use language, to do math calculations, to coordinate movements, or to direct attention. They are usually diagnosed in children once they start school.

Mental-health professionals stress that since no one knows what causes learning disabilities, it doesn't help parents to look backward to search for reasons. There are too many possibilities to pin down the cause, and it is more important for the family to move forward with getting help.

While learning disabilities were thought to be caused by a single neurological problem, researchers now say that the causes are more diverse and complex. New evidence seems to show that most learning disabilities do not start in a single, specific area of the brain, but from difficulties in bringing together information from various brain regions.

A leading theory is that learning disabilities stem from subtle disturbances in brain structure and function that may begin before birth. Other possibilities include:

Genetic predisposition
Tobacco, alcohol or substance abuse by the mother prior to, during, and after pregnancy
Problems during pregnancy or delivery
Environment—both emotional and physical

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