What causes LD?
This is the multi-million dollar question. The answer depends somewhat on the approach (see next question) you take to LD. However, most researchers seem to agree that there are both intrinsic and extrinsic components to LD. That is, some of the problem seems to be in the brain itself - or rather in how the brain interprets stimuli - and some of the problem seems to be in the environment the child is exposed to. Examples of possible intrinsic causes are biochemical imbalances, brain injury, and genetics. Extrinsic causes might be lack of opportunity, poor instruction, parental abuse, or neglect. New evidence seems to show that most learning disabilities do not stem from a single, specific area of the brain, but from difficulties in bringing together information from various brain regions. Today, a leading theory is that learning disabilities stem from subtle disturbances in brain structures and functions. Some scientists believe that, in many cases, the disturbance begins before birth.
For more information on factors that affect fetal brain development, the American National Institute of Mental Health has some good information:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/learndis.htm
