What is the Difference Between Learning Disability and Intellectual Disability?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities lies in the nature of the limitations and the areas affected.
Learning Disabilities:
- Affect a child's ability to master specific skills, such as reading, writing, or math, without affecting overall intelligence levels.
- Examples include dyslexia and dysgraphia.
- Primarily neurobiological in nature, often arising from differences in brain structure and function.
- Can be hereditary, and genetics may play a role in their development.
Intellectual Disabilities:
- Describe below-average intellectual functioning and a lack of skills needed for daily living.
- Affect a child's ability to learn and function at levels considered normal for their age.
- Examples include Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Involve limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.
Both types of disabilities can impact learning, but they are distinct conditions with different characteristics and challenges. It is important to understand the differences between intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities to provide appropriate support and interventions for individuals affected by these conditions.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Learning Disability and Intellectual Disability? Comparative Table: Learning Disability vs Intellectual Disability
Comparative Table: Learning Disability vs Intellectual Disability
Here is a table comparing the differences between learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities:
| Feature | Learning Disabilities | Intellectual Disabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Learning disabilities refer to difficulties in specific areas of academic skill development, such as reading, writing, and math. | Intellectual disabilities refer to limitations in general intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting various aspects of daily life. |
| Origin | Learning disabilities are neurological and often have a genetic component. | Intellectual disabilities typically originate at birth or during early childhood and are diagnosed before age 18. |
| Intelligence | Learning disabilities are not related to intelligence; individuals with learning disabilities can have average or above-average intelligence. | Intellectual disabilities are characterized by below-average intelligence. |
| Skills | Learning disabilities affect specific skills, such as reading, writing, math, or spatial reasoning. | Intellectual disabilities affect a wider range of skills, including reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptive behaviors like social, conceptual, and practical skills. |
| Diagnosis | Several causes need to be ruled out for a child to be identified with a learning disability, such as low intelligence, problems with hearing or vision, and a lack of educational opportunity. | Causes of intellectual disabilities vary, including genetic disorders like Down syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. |
| Support | Learning disabilities are often managed through special education, which provides modifications and accommodations to help children succeed in the school environment. | Intellectual disabilities may require more extensive support, such as residential programs with supportive services, depending on the severity of the disability. |
Read more:
- Learning Disability vs Learning Difficulty
- Autism Spectrum Disorder vs Intellectual Disability
- Intellectual vs Intelligent
- Disability vs Impairment
- Disorder vs Disability
- IQ vs Intelligence
- Education vs Intelligence
- Mental Illness vs Mental Retardation
- Disability vs Handicap
- Mental Illness vs Neurological Disorder
- Mental Illness vs Mental Disorder
- Learning vs Development
- Education vs Learning
- Autism vs Mental Retardation
- Smart vs Intelligent
- Autism vs ADHD
- Genius vs Intelligent
- SSI vs SSDI
- ADD vs ADHD