Physiological Manifestations of Learning Disability

Abstract

This article reviews the physiological studies that have been done on non-hyperactive learning disabled youngsters. It excludes the electrocortical and electroencephalographic literature which, because of its voluminous nature, will require a separate article. Most of the physiological research that has been done and reviewed here involves two autonomic functions, heart rate and skin conductance, obtained in experimental paradigms assessing arousal, orienting, and attention. The evidence reviewed indicates some degree of attentional deficit in LD children, but does not necessarily imply brain damage or brain dysfunction.