October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

This October marks the beginning of an important month for the 1 in 5 students across the country who have learning and attention issues. This includes the 2.5 million who have specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. It also includes the 6 million who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

These briefs describe the specific types of learning disabilities:

  • Dyslexia (reading problems)

  • Dysgraphia (writing problems)

  • Dyscalculia (math problems)

  • Executive Function Difficulties (problems with organization)

  • ADHD (trouble regulating attention)

    Even though students with learning and attention issues face some challenges in certain areas of learning like reading, writing, or math, these students often have great skills and talents.

History of LDA

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America’s website, October was originally designated in the United States as LD Month in 1985 through a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. Organizations in the United States use this month to inform the public about learning disabilities through events and proclamations. LD Awareness Month is celebrated in many states, often coordinated through each state’s Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)

Raising awareness among educators, parents, and the general public can help us create a world where children with learning disabilities like dyslexia and attention issues like ADHD are accepted, understood, and able to thrive.