Learning disabilities refers to a group of disorders. It is not just one single problem. It involves the ability to speak, listen, read, write, spell, be able to reason and organize information. A learning disorder is no indication that the individual has low intelligence. Many people cannot function properly because of a problem with the way the brain processes information. For example, some people have problems reading because they are trying to read the words from the wrong side of the page or a word and reading it backwards. Sometimes it is the way they see it on the page. Sometimes some people will see a letter backwards and if this is the case a word with the letters ‘b’ or ‘d’ can be very frustrating when trying to pronounce a word or read it. This is especially hard for young kids who are just beginning to learn how to read. This is just an example of one of the many learning disabilities someone might have. This can make it very hard for those with the disabilities to learn. They are slower than others and will quickly fall behind.

According to the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD), describes the learning disability term as: a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and presumed to be due to Central Nervous System Dysfunction. Even though a learning disability may occur concomitantly with other handicapping conditions, it is not the direct result of those conditions or influences. Learning Disability is a term, which refers to a problem between the child having the capacity to learn and their level of achievement.

Learning disabilities are categorized by information processed on four stages of learning. There is the input, output, integration, and storage. Input is the information an individual perceives through their senses. Integration is the stage where the perceived input is interpreted, categorized, and put into sequence. Individuals who have a problem with this stage cannot tell a story in the proper sequence. They are also unable to memorize sequences of information in the right order. A good example of this is they would be unable to memorize the days of the week in the correct order. The storage stage consists of problems with the memory. There may be short term problems or working memory problems, or even long term problems. Problems with visual memory may cause problems in spelling. The output is the information, which comes out of the brain through words or through muscle activity such as writing, drawing, or gesturing.