learning, mental retardation, emotional disturbance,
ADHD?
Mental retardation is characterized by low functioning that is consistent with a low IQ or general level of intelligence. Learning disabilities are different, as a student with a learning disability has trouble, despite normal mental capacity.
The label "learning disabilities" is all-embracing; it describes a syndrome, not a specific child with specific problems. The definition assists in classifying children, not teaching them. What is even more confusing is that learning disabilities often occur in tandem with other disabling conditions. This is called comorbidity. Some conditions which are often comorbid with learning disabilities include the following:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A person with a learning disability has a 20-25% chance of having ADHD. This is about five times greater than in the general population. The reverse is also true: a person with ADHD has a 30-70% chance of having a learning disorder. Everyone who is checked for ADHD needs to be checked for a learning disorder and vice versa.
Tourettes Disorder About 60% of children with tourettes have a learning disorder.
Personality Disorders About one third have comorbid learning disorders.