Causes of Learning Disabilities

It is almost universally accepted that learning disorders are the result of varying types of malfunctions in the way the brain operates. Unfortunately, there is very little information on what actually causes these malfunctions.

Studies going back as far as 1973 provide strong evidence that certain environmental factors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption or drug use by a mother during pregnancy, may be at least partially responsible for certain learning and behavioral disorders.

After birth, exposure to second-hand smoke can also affect a child's brain development as can an infection involving the central nervous system, physical trauma or poor nutrition.

There has been a lot of media attention given to rumors that an ingredient used in childhood vaccinations, thimerosal, may be a contributing factor in the case of autism. While scientific studies have not completely ruled this out, the evidence so far is heavily weighted against it being true. It should also be noted that thimerosal was removed from vaccination formulations in 2001 and the rate of autism spectrum disorders being diagnosed has not changed markedly.

Learning and behavioral disorders seem to run in families so it seems they may have a genetic component, meaning they seem to be inherited.

Until more is known about causes, the focus should be on proper diagnosis and treatment.