Specific Learning Disabilities

A specific learning disability is a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes. Basic psychological processes involve the understanding or use of language that affects the ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do math.

A student with a specific learning disability has a significant discrepancy between their ability (IQ) and their level of achievement in reading, math, and/or writing skills that qualifies them for special education services.

A learning disability is usually a life-long condition, however, early intervention will improve student abilities and increase success in school.

Students with learning disabilities have deficits in one or more information processing systems. These can be identified through formal diagnostic testing, student observation, and interviews with the teacher(s), parent(s) and/or student. Information processing is explained in Basic Psychological Processing.