ARE LEARNING DISABILITIES RELATED TO DIFFERENCES IN THE BRAIN?
In comparing people with and without learning disabilities, scientists have observed certain differences in the structure and functioning of the brain. For example, new research indicates that there may be variations in the brain structure called the planum temporale, a language-related area found in both sides of the brain. In people with dyslexia, the two structures were found to be equal in size. In people who are not dyslexic, however, the left planum temporale was noticeably larger. Some scientists believe reading problems may be related to such differences. With more research, scientists hope to learn precisely how differences in the structures and processes of the brain contribute to learning disabilities, and how these differences might be treated or prevented. GETTING HELP Susan Susan was promoted to the sixth grade but still couldn’t do basic math. So, her mother brought her to a private clinic for testing. The clinician observed that Susan had trouble associating symbols wit
