Overview
This lecture provides an overview of specific learning disabilities (SLDs), their definitions, types, and how they differ from other disorders.
What Are Specific Learning Disabilities?
- Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are disorders in basic psychological processes involving understanding and using language.
- SLD is an umbrella term covering various disorders related to reading, writing, math, and information processing.
Types of Specific Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia refers to learning disabilities in reading, affecting word reading, comprehension, and reading speed/accuracy.
- Dysgraphia is a learning disability in writing, affecting organization, planning, editing, and written expression beyond handwriting.
- Spelling difficulties often overlap with reading and writing disabilities.
- Dyscalculia refers to learning disabilities in math, affecting counting, measurement, estimation, money handling, and understanding patterns or rules.
Information Processing and Sensory-Motor Issues
- Learning disabilities can impact auditory (listening) and visual (seeing) processing, affecting how information is received and recalled.
- Sensory-motor integration issues may involve problems with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity.
Social, Emotional, and Self-Confidence Effects
- SLDs do not inherently include social difficulties, but language miscues can lead to misunderstandings with peers and impact self-confidence.
- Difficulty with nonverbal cues and transitions between environments can affect students with SLDs.
- Regular academic challenges may reduce self-esteem and motivation.
What SLDs Are NOT
- SLDs are not caused by poor vision, poor hearing, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, or socio-economic disadvantages.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD) — A disorder in basic psychological processes affecting language understanding and use.
- Dyslexia — SLD focused on reading difficulties.
- Dysgraphia — SLD focused on writing difficulties.
- Dyscalculia — SLD focused on math difficulties.
- Sensory-Motor Integration — Coordination of sensory information and movement.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Visit the National Center for Learning Disabilities website for more information or to ask questions.