What is the definition of a learning disability?

Answer 1

The Federal special ed law defines a specific learning disability as follows:

(30) Specific Learning Disability.
(A) In General. The term ‘specific learning disability’ means a disorder in 1 or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical
calculations.
(B) Disorders Included. Such term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.
(C) Disorders Not Included. Such term does not include a learning problem that is primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.

Answer 2

When a person has problems learning in any given area. I know that's not a "book" definition but having lived with a child with the problem.....it fits. Most of these kiddo's have a lower mid range IQ and have been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD.

My son was diagnosed in the first grade and was in Special Ed his entire school career. There were children in some of his classes, 95% boys, who only needed help in some subjects not all. What I discovered in having a learning disabled child was some of the children didn't need to be in the special classes but the school districts get extra money for the number enrolled. If you are asking for yourself or for your child and a school has told you special classes are needed I would have an independent verification made.

Hope this helps
Good Luck to You!!

Answer 3

Measured by a 15 point deviation (difference) from IQ to academic test.

Kid could be brilliant but performs lower on the test. Can have LD in one area, or several: good in math and poor in reading or any combination.

Mentally Impaired (formally called retarded) is not synonymous with Learning Disability .

Answer 4

If you have to ask, you have one.