This study investigated the figural and verbal creative abilities of learning disabled (LD), children and adults. The creative abilities of two sub-groups of LD children, verbal/auditory and visual/spatial were compared. Also, the association between handedness and creativity was assessed. There were 28 LD and 29 non-LD (non-learning disabled) children from 5 years 11 months to 11 years 1 month. The two groups were matched on the parameters of sex, age, Block Design and handedness. Also, 12 dyslexic and 12 non-dyslexic adults matched on sex, age and handedness participated in the study. The results indicated no significant differences between LD and non-LD children in any measures of creativity. The creativity of both groups was associated with age. Although the verbal/auditory sub-group did not score higher than non-LD children, their figural creativity was associated with left -handedness. The visual/spatial sub-group performed less well than non-LDs on the figural creativity task. Dyslexic adults surpassed non-dyslexic adults on almost all measures of creativity. Their enhanced performance was not associated with their handedness. These results are discussed in the context of the enhanced right hemisphere theory. In addition, it is suggested that creative abilities of dyslexics may develop with age. Also, subtypes of dyslexia should be considered when researching creativity in relation to learning disability.

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