This document summarizes research on the effects of labeling students as "learning disabled" from 1970 to 2000. Four main themes emerged from synthesizing 34 relevant studies:
1) The learning disabled label can negatively impact teachers' expectations, attitudes, and stereotypes of students. Lower expectations may lead to reduced effort and achievement.
2) Students labeled as learning disabled may experience stigmatization, rejection, and social isolation from both teachers and peers. They report being treated differently and facing embarrassment.
3) There is some inconsistency in how the label influences actions versus attitudes. While the label may negatively shape views, it does not always clearly impact behaviors toward students.
4) The influence of the learning disabled label depends