Why has the concept of learning disability proven so difficult to define?

Answer 1

It's really difficult to measure. Yes, kids with learning disabilities tend to not like school, they don't like to read, they get bad grades, etc., but they certainly aren't the only kids who feel that way.

It's hard to know if it's something that comes naturally to them, or is something that is developed because of certain habits.

With the reading, too, certain medical problems can effect it. Many kids with eyesight problems have difficulty reading or seeing the chalkboard. At that point, you get a cause and effect kind of deal. He can't see the chalkboard, so being called on to answer questions about what is ON the chalkboard is horrible. He can't read his textbooks, so the information within isn't learned.

Answer 2

Some people with proveable learning disabilities do just fine because they have learned to overcome or compensate for the disability. So, does that person have a disability if he can compensate for it? What about a person with the same disability who has not learned to overcome it? Should they both receive the same services?

Answer 3

Probably because it is an imaginary concept. People have unique brains. They learn things differently and are better or worse at learning various things when compared to other individuals. So in our literate culture where reading is considered paramount, if you have trouble learning to read you are considered 'defective' so we label you "learning disabled". But if you have difficulty learning to play the violin or tennis that is ok in our culture. People have learning differences. Some interfere with the education we expect all children to get. We label those!

Answer 4

May be because the disorders are heterogeneous.two individuals with learning disabilities may not be exhibiting the same characteristics. It could also be that different professionals involved in learning disabilities may be defining it from their different disciplinary point of view.