Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a term used in education to describe a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to learn and use certain skills. These skills are most often reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and math. It’s crucial to understand that specific learning disabilities are neurological disorders, not indications of low intelligence. Individuals with SLD have average to above-average intelligence but process information differently, leading to challenges in specific academic areas. Recognizing and addressing SLD is vital for ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Defining Specific Learning Disability
The term Specific Learning Disability encompasses a range of conditions that impact the fundamental psychological processes involved in language, both spoken and written. This can manifest as difficulties in listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or performing mathematical calculations. Conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia are included under the umbrella of SLD.
It is important to differentiate SLD from learning problems that arise primarily from other factors. Learning difficulties due to visual, hearing, or motor impairments, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, cultural differences, economic disadvantage, or limited English proficiency are not classified as Specific Learning Disabilities. This distinction ensures that the focus remains on neurological processing differences rather than external factors influencing learning.
For instance, a child with dyslexia, a common type of SLD, might struggle with reading fluency and decoding words despite having strong comprehension skills when information is presented orally. Another student with dyscalculia might have difficulty understanding number concepts and mathematical reasoning, even with adequate instruction and practice. These examples illustrate the specific and varied nature of learning disabilities.
Identifying Specific Learning Disabilities
Early identification of Specific Learning Disabilities is paramount for effective intervention and support. While the manifestations of SLD can vary, certain signs and symptoms may become apparent at different stages of development. In early childhood, these might include delays in speech development, difficulty with rhyming, or trouble learning the alphabet. As children enter school, challenges may emerge in reading, writing, spelling, or math.
Common types of Specific Learning Disabilities include:
Dyslexia
Dyslexia primarily affects reading. Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with phonological awareness, decoding, and reading fluency. They might reverse letters or words, have difficulty recognizing sight words, and read at a slower pace.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia impacts writing abilities. This can manifest as difficulties with handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper. Students with dysgraphia may have illegible handwriting, struggle to form letters correctly, and find it challenging to express their ideas in written form.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia affects mathematical abilities. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with number sense, math facts, calculation, and mathematical reasoning. They might have difficulty understanding math concepts, solving word problems, and remembering math procedures.
Recognizing these signs is the first step. A comprehensive evaluation by qualified professionals, such as educational psychologists or learning disability specialists, is necessary for accurate diagnosis. This evaluation typically involves assessing cognitive abilities, academic skills, and processing skills to determine the presence and nature of a specific learning disability.
Supporting Learners with Specific Learning Disabilities
Providing effective support for students with Specific Learning Disabilities requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their individual needs. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are crucial tools in this process. An IEP is a legally binding document developed for each student with a disability, outlining their specific learning goals and the supports and services they will receive to achieve those goals.
Effective instructional strategies for students with SLD often involve:
- Multisensory teaching: Engaging multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile) to enhance learning and memory.
- Explicit instruction: Providing clear, direct, and systematic teaching of skills and concepts.
- Differentiated instruction: Adapting teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
- Assistive technology: Utilizing tools and software to support learning, such as text-to-speech software, graphic organizers, and writing aids.
Collaboration between educators, parents, and support professionals is essential. Teachers play a vital role in implementing IEPs and providing daily support in the classroom. Parents are key partners in advocating for their child’s needs and reinforcing learning at home. Support professionals, such as special education teachers, reading specialists, and therapists, provide specialized interventions and expertise.
Resources and Further Information
Numerous resources are available to provide further information and support regarding Specific Learning Disabilities. These resources cater to educators, parents, and individuals with SLD.
- SLD Language & Literacy Resources: Link to Literacy Resources – Provides materials and information related to language and literacy development for students with SLD.
- SLD Math Resources: Link to Math Resources – Offers resources and tools to support math instruction and learning for individuals with SLD.
- SLD Eligibility Guidance & Resources: Link to Eligibility Resources – Guidance and resources related to determining eligibility for SLD services.
- SLD Instruction & Progress Monitoring: Link to Instruction & Monitoring – Information on effective instructional practices and progress monitoring for students with SLD.
- Resources for Parents and Families: Link to Parent Resources – Dedicated resources to support parents and families of children with Specific Learning Disabilities.
- Resources Culturally and/or Linguistically Diverse SLD: Link to CLD Resources – Resources tailored to address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners with SLD.
- Virtual Resources: Link to Virtual Resources – Online resources and tools related to Specific Learning Disabilities.
- CDE Parent & Families Website Resources: Link to CDE Parent Resources – Resources from the Colorado Department of Education specifically for parents and families.
- National Agencies/Organizations: Information on national organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- National Organizations: Links to various national organizations providing support and advocacy for SLD.
Specific Learning Disability Listserv
Stay informed and connected with the Colorado Specific Learning Disability (SLD) listserv. This platform shares valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and training related to SLD. It provides current trends, research findings, and discussions on relevant topics, aiming to enhance the lives of students with SLD and support their families and professionals. Join this network to access information, learning opportunities, and resources. To subscribe, send an email to [email protected].
SLD Podcast – The Gray Area
Explore pressing issues and common questions about Specific Learning Disability through “The Gray Area” podcast.
The Gray Area – SLP & Literacy Development
In an episode of “The Gray Area,” experts Veronica Fiedler and Tami Cassel delve into the crucial role of Speech Language Pathologists in literacy development. (Episode Length 25:02)
Transcript: The Gray Area: SLP & Literacy Development (PDF)
Audio File: SLP & Literacy Development.mp3
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Emily Ottinger
Specific Learning Disability Specialist
Email Emily Ottinger
720-456-5301
