ABSTRACT
Our understanding of the aetiology and course of learning disabilities and of how to assess, diagnose, and treat them has progressed greatly in recent years (Maughan and Yule, 1994). In this chapter on aetiological factors we focus on several sets of key findings regarding the environmental influences associated with such disabilities in general, with special reference to specific learning disabilities. In addition we draw attention to the difficulties of interpreting research findings and suggest directions forward for further studies.
