About SLD

The terms Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and Learning Disabilities (LD) are used interchangeably. There is no difference in meaning.

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), also known as Learning Disabilities (LD), is a disability category used by the federal government to define a complex cluster of lifelong neurobiological disorders that can severely interfere with a person's ability to acquire competency in one or more of the following areas:

• Oral language (e.g., listening, speaking, understanding)
• Reading (e.g., decoding or phonics, word knowledge, comprehension)
• Written language (e.g., spelling and written expression)
• Mathematics (e.g., computation, problem solving)
• Executive functioning (e.g., planning, decision-making, reasoning, organization, remembering, interpreting)
• Socialization (e.g., interpreting social situations, appropriate social interactions)

The term does not include 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.

Click on "Read more" to see websites we suggest visiting for additional information.

Common types of Specific Learning Disabilities are related to difficulties learning to read and spell, problems with mathematics, poor handwriting, and/or difficulty understanding language despite normal hearing and vision. A person properly diagnosed with SLD may have one or a cluster of these problems.

There is no one sign that identifies a person has SLD. Experienced professional look for a noticeable difference between how well a child does in school and how well he/she could do, given the person’ intelligence or ability.

From time to time, you may see one or more of these warning signs, but this could be part of normal development. Children do not all develop learning skills at the same time. However, if you see a cluster or a number of these problem areas over a period of time, consider the possibility of a Specific Learning Disability and/or related disorders. Seek professional assistance from a qualified and experience professional/s to determine the relevance of your concerns. View the list of common signs or characteristics by clicking on Read more.