Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities: What SLD Really Means

This is Part 1 of a 5-part series on Specific Learning Disability identification under IDEA and Texas law.

If you're navigating the special education system with your child, you've likely encountered the term "Specific Learning Disability" or SLD. But what does it actually mean? And if you're in Texas, are there differences you need to know about?

What Is a Specific Learning Disability?

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a Specific Learning Disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written.

The brain processes information differently in individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

This disorder can show up as difficulties in:

• Listening

• Thinking

• Speaking

• Reading

• Writing

• Spelling

• Doing mathematical calculations

  
  

Here's what's important: an SLD isn't about effort, intelligence, or motivation. It's a difference in how the brain processes information.

What Conditions Are Included Under SLD?

The legal definition of SLD includes several specific conditions:

• Dyslexia (explicitly named in both federal and Texas law)

• Perceptual disabilities

• Brain injury

• Minimal brain dysfunction

• Developmental aphasia

In Texas, the law goes further by defining "related disorders" that also fall under the SLD umbrella:

• Developmental auditory imperception

• Dysphasia

• Specific developmental dyslexia

• Developmental dysgraphia

• Developmental spelling disability

  
  

Are Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia Really SLDs?

Short answer: Yes. Here's how each is recognized:

Dyslexia

• Federal (IDEA): Explicitly included in the SLD definition

• Texas: Explicitly stated as meeting the definition of SLD. Texas law even provides its own specific definition: "a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity"

  
  

Dysgraphia

• Federal (IDEA): Federal guidance confirms that dysgraphia is a condition that could qualify a child as having an SLD, relating to difficulties in written expression

• Texas: Recognized as a "related disorder" to dyslexia and explicitly categorized as an SLD. When identified, the term "dysgraphia" must be used in evaluation reports

Dyscalculia

• Federal (IDEA): Guidance states that dyscalculia is a condition that could qualify as an SLD, relating to difficulties in mathematics calculation or problem-solving

• Texas: While not explicitly named in the "related disorders" definition, it's implied within the SLD framework since the law addresses disorders affecting mathematical calculations

  
  

The Eight Academic Areas

To be identified with an SLD, a student must show inadequate achievement in one or more of these eight specific areas:

1. Oral expression

2. Listening comprehension

3. Written expression (which may include dysgraphia)

4. Basic reading skills (which may include dyslexia)

5. Reading fluency skills (which may include dyslexia)

6. Reading comprehension

7. Mathematics calculation

8. Mathematics problem solving

Notice how Texas law explicitly connects dyslexia to reading areas and dysgraphia to written expression. This clarity helps ensure students receive appropriate identification and services.

Important: What SLD Is NOT

An SLD diagnosis does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of:

• Visual, hearing, or motor disabilities

• Intellectual disability

• Emotional disturbance

• Environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage

• Limited English proficiency (or "being emergent bilingual" in Texas terminology)

  
  

This doesn't mean a child can't have both an SLD and one of these conditions, but the SLD must be present independent of these other factors.

The Texas Twist: Mandatory Labeling

Here's a key difference if you're in Texas: when your child is identified with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia, those specific terms must be used in the evaluation report and any resulting IEP.

However, for formal state reporting purposes, the category remains "Specific Learning Disability." This requirement ensures your child's specific needs are clearly documented and understood by everyone on the educational team.

What's Next?

Now that you understand what an SLD is and what conditions fall under this category, the next question is: How do schools actually identify an SLD?

In Part 2 of this series, we'll explore the two evidence-based methods schools can use, Response to Intervention (RTI) and Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW), and why the old "severe discrepancy" model is no longer allowed. Have questions about SLD identification? Understanding these basics is the first step in effectively advocating for your child's educational needs.

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