Difference Between Learning Disabled & Mentally Challenged

Mentally challenged people have below-average IQs and are expected to have difficulties learning. However, learning-disabled people have average or above-average IQs but learn at levels significantly below their expected ability. Learning disabilities are a range of neurological disorders that produce learning difficulties and should not be confused with the difficulties faced by people who are mentally challenged. The most common learning disabilities are outlined below.

Dyslexia

• Dyslexia refers to difficulty in understanding written words and is sometimes called "reading disability."

Dyscalculia

• Dyscalculia is the difficulty in understanding mathematical concepts and manipulating numbers and quantitative data.

Dysgraphia

• Dysgraphia is trouble with writing, including forming shapes and staying within required boundaries.

ADHD

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) act as learning disabilities when they interfere with a person's ability to focus and complete tasks.

Nonverbal Disorders

• Nonverbal disorders, such as those in the Asperger's spectrum, affect learning by interfering with social behavior, as well as intuitive and evaluative functioning.