Specific

Learning
Disability
Types of Learning
Disabilities:

What is the definition of

a Specific Learning
Disability?
As Dr. Samuel Kirk stated it is
a heterogeneous group of
disorders manifested by
significant difficulties in the
learning and the use of
listening, speaking, reading,
writing, reasoning, and
mathematical abilities. Dr.
Kirk established the term in
1962 to describe students with
low academic
accomplishments. This
definition has been adopted by
the IDEA (Individuals With

Dyslexia- difficulty
reading
Dyscalculia- difficulty
with math
Dysgraphia- difficulty
with writing
Dyspraxia- difficulty
with fine motor skills
Dysphasia- difficulty
with language
Auditory Processing
Disorder-difficulty
hearing differences
between sounds
Visual Processing
Disorder- difficulty
interpreting visual

There were many studies done

on children with specific
learning disabilities that have
helped research go very far.
Research has proven that 5%
of students in the United
States receives special
attention for a specific learning
disability.

STRENGHTSCHARACTERISTI
of individuals
CS:
with SLD: Trouble

Creativity
Uniqueness
Sympathetic

Open-minded
Appreciative

Posses common
sense
Has a different
perspective

organizing
thoughts
Poor short term
memory
Inability to
concentrate
Poor self-esteem
Anxious
Poor Coordination
Lethargic

There are many studies that help develop new teaching strategies that will
allow those with SLD to learn at a faster and easier pace. One study
introduced Information Communication Technology (ICT), also known as Elearning. This tool introduces technology into the classroom. It focuses on
creative teaching tools. ICT allows teachers to use videos, media, graphic art,
power points, games, hands-on activities, etc.

Accommodations to
use in the
classroom:
Extended time to allow
students to complete
assignments
Small group activities
Modified worksheets
(font color/ size,
images, visual aids,
etc.)
Provide outlines of the

How to communicate
with the parents
A teacher must be prepared at all
time to communicate with the
parents. In dealing with the
subject of SLD it is imperative that
the teacher be knowledgeable
and sensitive. It is important to
give as many facts as possible,
without scaring the parent. Also
one could provide a number of
support groups to let the parent
know that they are not alone. The
number one rule, however, is
keep up with communication,
whether that be by phone, email,