SLD

Specific Learning Disability: Definition

A specific learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest in significant difficulties affecting the ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematics. Associated conditions may include, but are not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or developmental aphasia. A specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of a visual, hearing, motor, intellectual, or emotional/behavioral disability, limited English proficiency, or environmental, cultural, or economic factors. This definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03018, F.A.C.

For information on eligibility:

http://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/ese-eligibility/specific-learning-disabilities-sld/

Instructional Considerations

• Cognitive: Impaired functioning in the areas of input, integration, memory, output (expression)
  • Examples include discriminating sounds, matching sounds to symbols, integrating information to understand concepts, struggling with memory, problems sharing information when requested
• Motor: Problems with fine motor and coordination
  • Examples include inconsistency in hand writing, poor spatial planning on paper, problems gripping writing tools
• Social/Emotional:
  • Examples include poor social skills, being impulsive, problems working with peers
• Communication:
  • Examples include problems with language and expression, difficultly interpreting facial expressions and body language

Learning Supports

Reading

• Text to Speech
• Audio Books
• Graphic Organizers

Writing

• Writing Supports
• Word Processors
• Word Prediction
• Note Taking
• Pencil Grips

Math

• Graph Paper
• Graph Paper Generator
• Math Manipulatives
• Virtual Math Tools

Memory

• Memory Tools
• Memory Improvement Apps
• Smart Watches
• Journals
• Recording Devices

Executive Functioning

• To Do Lists
• Schedule Check Lists
• Classroom Timers
• Timers Apps
• Student Calendar
• Student Calendar App

Sound

• Classroom Amplification
• Noise Canceling Headphones

General Information

Definition: Learning Disabilities

The term “learning disabilities”, sometimes referred to as specific learning disabilities, is an umbrella term that covers a range of neurologically based disorders in learning and various degrees of severity of such disorders.

Broadly speaking, these disorders involve difficulty in one or more, but not uniformly in all, basic psychological processes: (1) input (auditory and visual perception), (2) integration (sequencing, abstraction, and organization), (3) memory (working, short term, and long term memory), (4) output (expressive language), and (5) motor (fine and gross motor). (https://ldaamerica.org/advocacy/lda-position-papers/what-are-learning-disabilities)

Definition: Reading Disability

A reading disability is a condition in which a sufferer displays difficulty reading. Examples of reading disabilities include: Developmental Dyslexia, Alexia (acquired dyslexia), and Hyperlexia (word-reading ability well above normal for age and IQ). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_disability)

Definition: Dyslexia

Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader. It is most commonly due to a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell and, often, learn a second language. (http://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia)

The document below includes information on ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, and other areas of learning disabilities.

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