Learning Disabilities This semester we have spent most of our time learning and discussing how we can best support exceptional students. Many of these students are individuals with learning disabilities. Although it would be difficult for any teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms, weaknesses, and strengths of each disability, it can be very helpful to have a general understanding of disabilities that may be hindering students' ability to learn. Unlike other disabilities such as paralysis and blindness, learning disability (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does not disfigure or leave visible signs that invite others to be understanding or offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), 1999). Therefore, as teachers, it will be our responsibility to provide understanding and support to children already diagnosed and also to pay attention to warning signs that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describes learning disabilities as follows: LD is a disorder that affects people's ability to interpret what they see and hear or to connect information from different parts of the brain . These limitations can manifest themselves in many ways. Such as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can prevent learning to read, write, or mathematics. Learning disabilities can be lifelong conditions that, in some cases, affect many aspects of a person's life: school or work, daily routines, family life and sometimes even friendships. Many overlapping learning difficulties may be evident in some people. Other people may have a single, isolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of their lives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It is important to remember that the term learning disability does not apply to students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual or hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, or disadvantages due to their environment, culture, or economic background (USDepartment of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes an LD is just the beginning. Diagnosing and treating a learning disability is not… half of the article… American Psychiatric Association (APA: 1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th edition). Washington DC: Author. Council for Exceptional Children: Learning Disabilities Division. (1999). Homepage of the Council for Exceptional Children. [Online]. Available: http://www.cec.sped.org/home.htmCouncil for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Learning Disabilities Council homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www. coe.winthrop. edu/cldLearning Disabilities Association in America. (1998). Home page of the Learning Disabilities Association of America. [Online]. Available: http://www.ldanatl.orgNational Center for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Home page of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. [Online]. Available: http://www.ncld.orgNational Institute of Mental Health. (1999). Homepage of the National Institute of Mental Health. [Online]. Available: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/home.htmInternational Dyslexia Association. (1999). The home page of the International Dyslexia Association. [Online]. Available: http.interdys.orgU. S. Department of Education. (1999). Home page of the Education of Persons with Disabilities Act. [Online]. Available:/