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 instructor’s 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)