Specific Learning Disabilities - What Is a Specific Learning Disability?

Definition: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act defines a specific learning disability as a disorder in one or more of these areas:

• expressive language, also called oral expression, or receptive language, also called listening comprehension;
• basic writing mechanics or written expression;
• Basic reading decoding or reading comprehension;
• Basic math calculation skills or applied math and problem solving.

Learning disability categories may include several types of disorders. Dyslexia, for example, would be considered a learning disability in reading under the IDEA. Dysgraphia is considered a learning disability in writing, and dyscalculia is a learning disability in math. Disorders or syndromes such as developmental aphasia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or Tourette's syndrome may also involve learning disabilities.

Specific learning disabilities are not typically diagnosed when other primary disabling conditions such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor disabilities, mental retardation, or emotional disturbances are present. Further, students whose academic weaknesses are caused by environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage are not typically diagnosed with learning disabilities unless there is evidence the disability is not related to these factors and the child has received appropriate educational intervention.

Also Known As: Specific learning disabilities may also be called learning disorders.