Julian is a 9-year-old who had to repeat first grade and who has been barely passing ever since. He is told that he is not attentive, and that he is not trying hard enough. On the other hand, he is under the impression that he is working to the best of his abilities, and that he cannot try harder. Why does his little brother, who is only 7 years old, read better than he does? His mother is really discouraged; doing homework with Julian is always a nightmare. His father says that he will "unblock", and "grow out of it " just like he did, if he works really hard.

Learning disability affects approximately 10% of the population or almost 700,000 Quebecers. Within schools, 2 to 3 children per classroom have a learning disability. This problem persists into adulthood. The manifestations, the degree of severity, and the evolution of the problem vary a lot from one person to the next. However, the problem is always seen in the people with average and above average intelligence who have central nervous system dysfunction. In the last decade, educational and health professionals' clinical observations, as well as a research increasing number of studies, show that language problems are often present in learning problems disability, a fact previously ignored. It appears that 80% of the children, who have a learning disability, also have a language problem.

Language difficulties may be apparent, but often go undetected - another reason to be even more alert! In fact, all children found to have a learning disability should be evaluated by a Speech-Language Pathologist. A 2-3 hour meeting is required. Within her area of expertise, the Speech-Language Pathologist responds to questions previously unanswered helps to better understand the causes of learning disability, and introduces new means and therapeutic approaches.

An individual with a learning disability as well as those in his environment need to join efforts in trying to overcome this problem together. Understanding and accepting the problem is a key for success. The more awarened one is strengths and weaknesses the better able her/she is to develop strategies and to function to the maximum of his/her abilities. As well, there exist many adaptive techniques.

For example :

• in school, shorter texts can be used, more time can be given for exam completion, and one-on-one assistance can be offered. At work, memory tasks should be put in writing, a diary should be utilized, and why not, a help of a good friend.
  
• at work, tasks requiring memory can be put in writing, a good agenda may prove invaluable, as may the help of a good friend.