Self esteem in the learning disabled (LD) child is considered in terms of family, school, and peer influences. A review of the literature points out that the LD child seems to have a greater need than the normal child for parental support which helps to establish high self esteem. Performance, and not potential, appears to be the more important factor in maintenance of high self esteem in LD children. In the classroom, if a student begins unsuccessfully, the teacher perceives him as such, begins to treat him as unsuccessful, and reinforces his poor self concept. Lack of peer acceptance is significantly related to poor self concept. The child may see his learning disabilities as originating within himself, extending to all performances, and this may result in learned helplessness and depression. (SW)