What is a defining feature of a Learning Disability?

A defining feature of a Learning Disability is that it specifically involves difficulty in learning. This encompasses challenges in areas such as reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities that are not attributed to other factors like low intelligence or inadequate instruction. These difficulties are often unexpected relative to the individual's age, educational level, and opportunities for learning, which is essential to distinguishing learning disabilities from other related conditions.

In contrast, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, and social emotional challenges are important areas to consider in a broader educational context, but they do not define learning disabilities. Learning disabilities focus primarily on the processing and acquisition of knowledge, making "difficulty in learning" the core characteristic.