CAN LEARNING DISABILITIES BE OUTGROWN OR CURED?
Even though most people don’t outgrow their brain dysfunction, people do learn to adapt and live fulfilling lives. Dennis, Susan, and Wallace made a life for themselves–not by being cured, but by developing their personal strengths. Like Dennis’ tape-recorded books and lectures, or Wallace’s hands-on auto mechanics class, they found alternative ways to learn. And like Susan’s crafts or Wallace’s singing, they found ways to enjoy their other talents. Even though a learning disability doesn’t disappear, given the right types of educational experiences, people have a remarkable ability to learn. The brain’s flexibility to learn new skills is probably greatest in young children and may diminish somewhat after puberty. This is why early intervention is so important. Nevertheless, we retain the ability to learn throughout our lives. Even though learning disabilities can’t be cured, there is still cause for hope. Because certain learning problems reflect delayed development, many children do
