The National Institute of Health defines a Learning Disability as follows:
"Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age."
The IDEA(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), defines Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) as "a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia."
According to the IDEA federal laws, Specific Learning Disabilities are NOT "learning
problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor
disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of
environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage."
[34 Code of Federal Regulations ยง300.7(c)(10)]
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Learning disabilities can affect a child's ability to function in any single area of learning, or in multiple areas of learning. Children with learning disabilities are, by definition, of normal or above average intellectual ability. In fact, IDEA used to use a discrepancy formula to identify children with Specific Learning Disabilities, but this practice was ineffective for identifying children with any degree of consistency. The reauthorization of IDEA in 2004 changed the laws so a significant discrepancy between ability and achievement is not required to identify a child as having a Learning Disability. For more about the current laws and identification of a child as having a Specific Learning Disability, visit SchwabLearning's article, "IDEA 2004 Close Up: Specific Learning Disabilities Evaluation and Eligibility".
Helpful Reading List:
Learning Disabilities: A to Z: A Parent's Complete Guide to Learning Disabilities
from Preschool to Adulthood
Help for the Struggling Student: Ready-to-Use Strategies and Lessons to Build
Attention, Memory, and Organizational Skills
Complete Learning Disabilities Handbook: Ready-to-Use Strategies & Activities for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
Smart
but Stuck: Emotional Aspects of Learning Disabilities and Imprisoned Intelligence
Teaching
Learning Strategies and Study Skills To Students with Learning Disbilities,
Attention Deficit Disorders, or Special Needs
Look for other Learning Disabilities books
Below are listed some of the top national organizations for Specific Learning Disabilities, but you may want to explore our menu for specific areas of learning related to your child's specific needs.