Chapter 4: Specific Learning Disabilities

By LeAnne Syring, Ph.D.

Learning  disabilities are also called specific learning disabilities or disorders. These terms are used interchangeably throughout the chapter. Learning disabilities are the most diagnosed special education disability category. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2020–21, 7.2 million students (about twice the population of Oklahoma) received special education services in public schools. The most common category diagnosed was specific learning disabilities in 33% of all students. The American Psychiatric Association (2021) estimates that 5–15% of school-age students have a learning disability.

The most identified learning disabilities include:

• Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
• Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
• Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
• Oral/written language disorder and specific reading comprehension deficit (struggle with understanding and/or expressing language, often in both oral and written form).

Specific learning disabilities range from mild to moderate to severe levels. The American Psychiatric Association defines the levels as follows:

• Mild: Some difficulties with learning in one or two academic areas, but may be able to compensate
• Moderate: Significant difficulties with learning, requiring some specialized teaching and some accommodations or supportive services
• Severe: Severe difficulties with learning, affecting several academic areas and requiring ongoing intensive specialized teaching

It is important to remember that many children may struggle with learning at some point in their education. However, a child with a learning disability may show several signs of disability that do not go away or improve with time.