3.2: The Illinois Definition of Specific Learning Disability

“Specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of intellectual disability, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage" (Illinois State Board of Education, 2022).

Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\): Compare and Contrast

Directions: Compare and contrast the IDEA, NJCLD, APA, and Illinois definitions of specific learning disability. Consider the differences and similarities between inclusion and exclusion criteria. Which definition resonates with you? Why?

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 Illinois State Board of Education. (2022, September 1). Special education disability areas. https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Special-Education-Disability-Areas.aspx#:~:text=Specific%20learning%20disability%20means%20a,do%20mathematical%20calculations%2C%20including%20conditions