What is the definition of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) as a qualifying disability in special education?

Published: Mar. 14, 2022Updated: Mar. 17, 2022

A child is eligible for an IEP if they meet the criteria for one of 13 eligibility categories and if they cannot make adequate progress in school without special education services. Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a A broad category signifying learning differences that impact a child’s ability to do one or more of the following: read, write, listen, speak, reason, and do math. The following diagnoses are considered specific learning disabilities:Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Auditory Processing Disorder. These 13 categories are explained in detail by Dr. Caitlin Solone, education advocate, teacher educator, and faculty at UCLA, in our article Qualifying Diagnoses for an IEP.

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