Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), for individuals who demonstrate difficulties with general academic skills. The common term employed in federal legislation (e.g., Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) and by educators is learning disability, the largest group (40%) in special education. The DSM-5 offers specific SLD identifiers particular to reading, writing, and math. Assessment for SLD is managed by a school team (e.g., school psychologist, special education teacher, general education teacher, English as a Second Language teacher, speech and language pathologist, and school administrator) and, in some cases, with information provided by medical professionals outside the school, such as a pediatrician or an audiologist.

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