Cognitive and Academic Performance of College Students with Learning Disabilities: A Synthesis of the Literature

The literature pertaining to college students with learning disabilities was reviewed to arrive at a summary of empirical reports on the academic achievement and cognitive ability of this population. Of the more than 100 articles published over a 20-year time span, less than one third were data based and reported academic and cognitive performance. Nevertheless, there is evidence that college students with learning disabilities may present unique problems which adversely affect academic performance. Findings include levels of intellectual functioning, as well as performance in reading, math, writing, and foreign language. Research needs and implications for service provision are discussed.