1. Learning Disabilities
What you need to know about SLDs and your child

2. What is a Specific Learning Disability?
Specific Learning Disorder, SLD, is “disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language” (IDEA PL , 2004)
According to the National Institutes of Health, 15% of the American population, or 1 in 7 people, has a learning disability of some kind
Specific Learning Disabilities differ from comorbid learning disabilities
Several different types of SLDs

3. Types of SLDs Dyslexia—a problem understanding written words
Dyscalculia—trouble with solving math problems and understanding mathematical concepts
Dysgraphia—difficulty forming letters or writing within a defined space
Auditory/Visual Processing Disorder—sensory disabilities when people have a hard time understanding language although they have normal hearing and vision
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities— a neurological disorder that usually causes issues with several different processing functions; often misunderstood (highly verbal in general, nonverbal in their areas of shortfall)
Many more SLDs out there

4. Lifestyle Changes with SLDs
Mental and emotional changes mainly occur
Mood swings
More negative attitudes
Tend to be a bit more sensitive than others
No noticeable physical changes
Social changes occur as well
Difficulty making or keeping friendships
Lack of social skills in some people with SLDs

5. Family Concerns with SLDs
Family Issues that may arise with SLDs
Can be difficult at times raising a child with SLDs
Mood swings and frustration can cause rocky relationships
Above all, focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses
Be positive and encouraging
Practice good listening skills
Find alternative solutions to problems
Be a support family

6. Financial Concerns with SLDs
Not as expensive as most other disabilities
Majority of money is used for:
Specific testing for SLDs
Certain types of therapy sessions (ex. Occupational)
Medication (ex. Psychostimulant for ADD/ADHD)

7. Types of Testing for SLDs
Various forms of testing available for specific deficits
Main types of testing:
IQ test
Observational
No genetic testing unless the SLD is comorbid with another disability (ex. down syndrome)
More research is being done on genetic testing for SLDs
For more specific testing information, visit

8. How do you go about treating a child with SLDs?
Mainly in school settings
IEP – Individualized Education Plan
Other forms of treatment or help
Note takers
Mental health specialist
Forms of therapy, I.E. - occupational therapy for kids with coordination issues
Recreational therapy a wonderful way to relieve the everyday stresses in the life of a child with a learning disability

9. Parents – You are NOT alone!
Over 2.5 million people in U.S. population have some form of SLD
If you, your child, or your family is looking for more support or encouragement, there are local and state support groups all around the country
It is important that we encourage, protect, and advocate for people with learning disabilities everywhere
The Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia (LDAV)
Visit or to find support near you

10. References
 How are learning disabilities diagnosed? (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2015, from ed.aspx
Learning & Attention Issues. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from
Learning Disabilities and Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2015, from disorders.htm#diagnosis
Special Education (sped). (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2015, from
The world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from