What characterizes a learning disorder?

A learning disorder is characterized primarily by a deficit in processing related to learning, which can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties with reading, writing, or mathematics. This processing deficit means that the individual may struggle to acquire, use, or understand academic skills, despite having the opportunity to learn. This distinction is essential, as individuals with learning disorders often exhibit average or above-average intelligence, indicating that their challenges are not due to a lack of ability but rather to how they process information.

In contrast, a general decrease in social skills may occur independently of a learning disorder and does not directly relate to academic performance or processing abilities. An inability to engage in group activities can also happen for various reasons not necessarily linked to learning disorders, such as social anxiety or developmental delays. Similarly, a tendency to excel in one specific area of knowledge may suggest a unique talent rather than an understanding of a learning disorder, which typically involves pervasive challenges across multiple areas of learning. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a learning disorder is indeed the deficit in processing related to learning.