Students with spina bifida frequently experience problems with learning. These learning difficulties are thought to stem from differences in the development and structure of the central nervous system.

Although no two students are exactly alike, certain learning characteristics are common among students with spina bifida. Information processing deficits associated with spina bifida can interfere with a student’s organization, memory, problem solving, decision-making, attention and the ability to read and respond to social cues. Parents and teachers typically begin to notice learning difficulties by the time the child reaches third or fourth grade, when academic demands increase. For more information about learning disablities and people with spina bifida please go to the teacher link.