WHAT IS SLD?
SLD is a clinical term describing a neurobiological disorder, not a single disorder.
Specific Learning Disabilities affect a person's ability to acquire, process,
and/or use either spoken, written or nonverbally presented information. SLD
displays itself as a significant deficit in one or more of the following areas:
attention, executive functioning (organizing/planning), functional literacy
skills (reading, writing, spelling, calculating, etc.), functional language
skills (expressing oneself and understanding conversations), memory, reasoning,
problem solving and perceptual motor skills.
HOW DOES HAVING SLD AFFECT A PERSON?
SLD can pose a major obstacle to obtaining a sound educational foundation and
employment. It is a lifelong condition that occurs on a continuum from mild
to severe, which currently cannot be cured. SLD prevents potentially average
or above-average functioning individuals from processing and using information
in a meaningful manner. While not a primary emotional disorder, SLD may cause
disturbances in behavior, emotions and motivation. Individuals with disabilities
which are primarily caused by physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental
retardation, emotional disturbance, and cultural and/or economic disadvantages
are not SLD. However, this does not exclude the coexistence of SLD with some
of the above mentioned conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health,
15% of the U. S. population (one in seven Americans) has some type of Specific
Learning Disability.
WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF SLD?
Many educational and/or medical terms relate to SLD. Dyslexia, specific types
of reading disorders, disorders of written language, dysgraphia, developmental
language disability, aphasia, and dyscalculia all may define a specific type
of specific learning disability. Attention deficit disorders, traumatic brain
injury, tic disorders (i.e., Tourette Syndrome), particular autistic spectrum
disorders, and a host of other syndromes may be associated with SLD.
HOW CAN A PERSON WITH SLD GET HELP?
Specific Learning Disabilities are hidden disabilities. Unlike blindness, cerebral
palsy, retardation and other observable conditions, SLD may not be easily seen
or detected. Many disabilities impede an individual's ability to learn and function
in ways similar to SLD, but are not Specific Learning Disabilities. A comprehensive
review of the individual's functioning should include a detailed developmental
history, a comprehensive medical/neurological examination, an in-depth psychological
evaluation and an extensive educational/language evaluation. The diagnosis of
another disability does not preclude the existence of SLD. All data should be
synthesized, analyzed, interpreted and explained to the consumer. Specific suggestions
for treatment should be included.