The National Institute of Neurological Disorders defines learning disabilities as: ; condition that prevents or significantly hinders the acquisition of basic skills or information at the same rate as most people of the same age. It is important to note that this does not mean that the individual has less intelligence; this means that their brain or body is wired in a way that hinders or prevents the development of certain tasks. Many people often confuse learning disabilities with mental retardation, but although the two words describe similar conditions, the terms learning disability and learning disability are used to describe conditions that affect the development of certain areas cognitive in otherwise healthy individuals. Millions of people are affected to varying degrees worldwide by specific neurological learning disabilities. I chose to research learning disabilities for two reasons. The first is that I am concerned about it myself. When I was 13, I was told I had a type of dysgraphic disorder. Dysgraphia is a term that describes a broad group of disorders causing difficulty in writing skills. The disorder often manifests itself in spelling difficulties, poor handwriting, and difficulty putting thoughts down on paper. I have faced and will continue to struggle with this disability for the rest of my life. Additionally, I found that by studying the disorder, I also made progress in managing my own cognitive impairments. The second reason I chose to study learning disabilities is because I chose to get a degree in education. A recent report from the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities indicates that nearly 15% of Americans are affected by this... middle of article ......rican Journal of Human Genetics 72. (2003): 454-464. Internet. May 30, 2010. O'Brien, Tracy. “Three subtypes are orthographic, phonological and mixed.” suite101.com. Np, February 28, 2009. Web. June 1, 2010. Richardson, AJ “Clinical Trials of Fatty Acid Treatment in ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and the Autism Spectrum.” (2004): n. page. Internet. June 1, 2010. Wattendorf, Daniel. “Diagnosis and management of fragile X syndrome.” Am a family doctor (2005): 111-113. Internet. May 30, 2010. Wijsman, Ellen. “Segregation analysis of phenotypic components of learning.” Am. J. Hmm. Broom. 67. (2000): 631-646. Print.World Health Organization “Information on Fragile X Syndrome”. (2210): Internet. May 28 2010. .