Learning disabilities are those disorders of the brain that make it difficult for a child to learn age appropriate skills. For example, the most well know learning disability is dyslexia, a disorder of reading. There are many different types of learning disabilities. They also vary in the degree to which they cause impairment. Usually the skills that are impacted are reading, writing, spelling, "processing" skills, visual-spatial relationships and disorders of speech and language. Learning disabilities are most often detected by the schools usually as a result of the child's failure to learn basic skills or failure to keep up with expected mastery of material. That is, they interfere with academic achievement. Diagnostic testing is designed to help identify the disorder. Treatment usually involves educational therapy and/or speech and language therapy.

Awareness and understanding of learning disorders is important to aid in the child's social-emotional growth. Children with such disorders often feel "stupid" or are accused of "not trying hard enough". The negative feedback they get from the world seriously impacts their self-esteem and self-confidence. A supportive and encouraging atmosphere aids these children in enhancing their self-esteem and learning to be successful.