Learning disorders are increasingly common among children of all ages with few long-term or effective treatments. In one study, 209 children between the ages of 4 and 14 diagnosed with learning difficulty were evaluated by osteopathic structural examination (1). 
Seventy-two percent of the children with a learning difficulty diagnosis had a significant past history of birth trauma compared to only 28% in the control group. Labour (childbirth) lasting more than 24 hours was highly associated with learning difficulty.
Associated dysfunctions (osteopathic ‘lesions’) of the cranial bones may be a result of intrauterine pressure or early postnatal or perinatal trauma. This can cause changes of tension.  These distortions also change membranous, fascial, neural and venous relationships.Cranial dysfunction may arise in these children from sacral compression (in the pelvis) or other distant areas of the body.
Frequently, decompression and release of these areas will result in immediate and dramatic improvements in symptoms.
regardless of diagnosis, treatment of the underlying cause of the child’s symptoms is essential.

1. Frymann, VM. Learning difficulties of children viewed in the light of the osteopathic concept. JAOA. 1976; 60-61.