Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children’s ability to learn and use academic skills, despite adequate opportunities for learning and appropriate instruction. SLD is diagnosed when a child’s academic achievement falls significantly below what is expected for their age and intellectual ability, and the difficulties persist over time. SLD can affect one or more academic domains, including reading, writing, or mathematics.
The symptoms of SLD may vary depending on the specific academic domain affected, but may include difficulty with:
- Phonological processing, such as recognizing and decoding words in reading
- Reading comprehension, such as understanding the meaning of written words or sentences
- Written expression, such as organizing and expressing ideas in writing
- Mathematical calculation, such as performing basic math operations
- Mathematical reasoning, such as understanding and applying math concepts and problem-solving strategies
SLD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic and environmental factors, brain development differences, and neurological conditions such as dyslexia. Treatment for SLD typically involves specialized instruction that is tailored to the child’s specific needs and may involve multisensory approaches, assistive technology, and accommodations. Interventions can also involve support for executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, and time management. With appropriate support and intervention, children with SLD can improve their academic skills and achieve success in school and beyond.