learning disability
Neurological processing challenge
A learning disability is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes information, making specific academic skills—reading, writing, or math—significantly harder to acquire despite normal intelligence.
Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia are common types.
The term doesn't include intellectual disabilities or difficulties caused by poor instruction.
She was diagnosed with a learning disability in third grade.
Difficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dysgraphiaImpaired ability to write
- memory deficitImpaired ability to recall
Shelter or housing provided
- IEPPersonalized learning accommodation document
- 504 planSchool disability support arrangement
- assistive technologyDisability-compensating devices and software
- audiobooksNarrated literary recordings
speech-to-text · note takers · resource room · tutoring · remediation · intervention · scaffolding · oral exams
Adapted instruction for disabilities
- inclusionBeing made part
- mainstreamingIncluding in standard settings
- educational rightsProtected access to learning
- advocacyPleading for a cause
Labored effort against resistance
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- stigmaMark of dishonor
misunderstanding · resilience · coping strategies · self-esteem · anxiety · underachievement · potential · late diagnosis
Identification of illness
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- cognitive assessmentTest of thinking abilities
- RTINumbered federal highway
standardized testing · eligibility · identification · early detection · diagnostic criteria · DSM · educational psychologist
Having atypical brain function
- strengths-basedEmphasizing capabilities over deficits
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- spectrumContinuous range of values
dyslexia
Difficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dysgraphiaImpaired ability to write
- memory deficitImpaired ability to recall
accommodation
Shelter or housing provided
- IEPPersonalized learning accommodation document
- 504 planSchool disability support arrangement
- assistive technologyDisability-compensating devices and software
audiobooks · speech-to-text · note takers · resource room · tutoring · remediation · intervention · scaffolding · oral exams · extra time
special education
Adapted instruction for disabilities
- inclusionBeing made part
- mainstreamingIncluding in standard settings
- educational rightsProtected access to learning
struggle
Labored effort against resistance
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
stigma · misunderstanding · resilience · coping strategies · self-esteem · anxiety · underachievement · potential · late diagnosis · masking
diagnosis
Identification of illness
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- cognitive assessmentTest of thinking abilities
RTI · standardized testing · eligibility · identification · early detection · diagnostic criteria · DSM · educational psychologist
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- strengths-basedEmphasizing capabilities over deficits
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- spectrumContinuous range of values
- learning disabilitiesdyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, reading disorder
- special educationspecial education, special ed, special needs, IEP, IEPs
- Child Healthcheckups, immunizations, vaccinations, well-child visits, growth charts
- disabilityADA, ableism, amputee, wheelchair, wheelchairs
- child assessmentspreschool screening, kindergarten screening, school readiness, developmental milestone, newborn screening
- Disabilitiesblind, paralysis, vision loss, hearing impairment, amputees
learning disabilityacademic excellence
Superior performance in studies
straight-A student · honor student · valedictorian · prodigy · wunderkind
learn, learning, learned, learner, disabled, learns, disability, unlearned, learners