Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Definition:
Specific Learning Disability means 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 the imperfect ability to listen, think,
speak, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations. (Colorado Department of Education)

Common Characteristics:
Auditory Processing Disorder: Confused by
metaphors, difficulty processing quick speech.
Dysgraphia: Inconsistency with writing (cursive,
print, large, small letters), writing is slow or labored.
Language Processing Disorder: Poor
reading and writing skills, difficulty recognizing objects,
show difficulty in expressing through words.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty doing word problems, understanding fractions,
understanding time concepts (days, weeks, months, minutes).
Dyslexia: Experiences decoding errors especially with order of letters, may have
difficulty with handwriting, reading can be slow and painful.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities: Has trouble recognizing non-verbal
cues with facial expressions and body language, shows poor psycho-motor
coordination, appears clumsy.

Learning

Strategies:

Provided regular positive feedback

Model for students

Provide visual and verbal support

Make sure the students can see the instructors face

Allow students to tape the class

Give students the time to process the information

Resources:
Learning Disabilities: Center for Parent Information and Resources
o This site is designed for parents who are trying to find out what
resources they have while helping their child with the learning
disability (http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ld)

LDA: Learning Disabilities Association of America:

o This cite can be used as a parent or an educator. It lists all the specific
types of disabilities related with SLD, and others that can be related to
them (http://idaamerica.org/educators/)
Understood: For Learning and Attention Issues:
o This resources goes through a parent handbook, and you can scroll
through and click on what your child is struggling with.
(http://www.understood.org/en)