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Specific Learning Disability (or SLD) is when an individual has "one or more impairments in basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language." This disability can interfere with how an individual writes, spells, thinks, listens, or speaks.

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Subramaniam, A. (2024, January 14). What is SLD specific learning disability. Parenting For Brain. https://www.parentingforbrain.com/specific-learning-disability/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). What are some signs of learning disabilities?. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/signs

Vienna, N. M. (2022, March 1). What tests are used to diagnose a learning disability?: Dr. Vienna. Vienna Psychological Group |. https://www.viennapsychologicalgroup.com/what-tests-are-used-to-diagnose-a-learning-disability/

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1991b, January 1). Providing appropriate education for students with learning disabilities in regular education classrooms. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/policy/ps1991-00101/

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). (n.d.). Accommodations for students with LD. Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/learning-disabilities/articles/accommodations-students-ld

Helping young children with learning disabilities at home. Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). https://ldaamerica.org/info/helping-young-children-with-learning-disabilities-at-home/

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Problems reading and/or writing

Problems with math

Difficulty remembering

Problems paying attention

Trouble following directions

Clumsiness

Trouble telling time

Problems staying organized

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Dyscalculia - this disability affects how a person understands numbers.

Dysgraphia - this disability affects how a person writes and their fine motor skills.

Dyslexia - this disability affects spelling and reading comprehension.

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Teachers, professionals, or parents may find that the child is

"Acting out" in social situations or at school

Having a hard time listening and following instructions

Difficulty staying focused

Problems understanding words

Difficulty learning routines

Consistently making spelling errors (like reversing letters such as "b" and "d")

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The disability is normally identified when the child starts school, but if not, a psychologist may conduct the learning disability tests. The four types of tests include the intelligence test, achievement test, visual-motor integration test, and language test. There are no medical tests to diagnose SLD.

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Most of the students with this disability are taught in a regular classroom (with students without a disability).

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Recording lessons

Large-printed material

Extended time on tests and exams

Verbal instructions

Administer the test in a private room

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Having a set routine

Set reasonable expectations

Help the child classify objects

Focus on the child's strengths

Provide guidance

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https://ldaamerica.org/educators/?audience=Educators

This website gives teachers tips and a guide to help children with SLD.

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Since almost five percent of all students in our nation's public schools are classified as having specific learning disabilities (SLD), every teacher can expect to find students with learning disabilities in the classroom. Success for these students requires a focus on individual achievement, individual progress, and individual learning. Despite obstacles, recent research tells us that we can teach these students how to learn. We can put them into a position to compete!

Specific strategies apply to specific learning disabilities and many are outlined here. You will also find tips for working with children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

If you suspect a student in your classroom has a learning disability it is important to know how to accommodate their needs and differentiate instruction. It can be a daunting and complicated task. But don't despair. LDA is here to help you understand learning disabilities and lead you and your student to the right support systems.
Learn more about LD

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Since almost five percent of all students in our nation's public schools are classified as having specific learning disabilities (SLD), every teacher can expect to find students with learning disabilities in the classroom. Success for these students requires a focus on individual achievement, individual progress, and individual learning.

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https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/resources-unique-needs/specific-learning-disabilities#DyslexiaandDyscalculia-2884

This website provides teachers with definitions of each learning disorder, webinars they can attend, policies, and fact sheets.

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This website will help a teacher implement different strategies for the needs of the child with SLD. It also provides resources and activities.

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Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs

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picture communication cards, songs, games and learning activities for autism, aspergers, fetal alcohol syndrome and disabilities

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https://ldaamerica.org/parents/?audience=Parents

This website gives parents information articles and resources on what SLD is, how to help and support their child, and a guide to the SLD evaluations.

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Parents or caregivers may notice academic problems or other signs of a learning disability in their child and not know where to start. Often this "invisible disability" does not become obvious until a child reaches school age. Even then, difficulties may be subtle and hard to recognize.

Here you will find a wealth of information on understanding learning disabilities, negotiating the special education process, and helping your child and yourself.

Featured Articles & Resources

Specific Learning Disabilities

Related Disorders

Support for Parents

ADD/ADHD

ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work.
Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity.

Homework Handouts for Parents

Mental Health

Post Secondary Options

Pre-K thru High School

Professional Resources

Special Education Services

Teaching Reading

The LDA Podcast

Your Voice in Washington

Guides & Booklets

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Parents or caregivers may notice academic problems or other signs of a learning disability in their child and not know where to start. Often this "invisible disability" does not become obvious until a child reaches school age. Even then, difficulties may be subtle and hard to recognize.

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http://www.ldanc.org

This website provides information to parents about laws and policies about SLD. It also gives the parents information about SLD.

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https://www.understood.org/en/hub

This sends parents to different articles to help their child with everyday skills.

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I am a parent or caregiver and want help with behaviors , learning , and everyday skills

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Find information on ADHD and learning disabilities like dyslexia and dyscalculia. Get recommended resources - from expert-vetted articles to personal stories.

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Specific Learning Disability: Categories of Students with Disabilities

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Boys have SLD more than girls.