Specific Learning Disabilities

The term `specific learning disability' (SLD) means a disorder in 1 or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. The term 'specific learning disability' includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) continue to account for a higher proportion of all special education enrollments than any other classification under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). According to the latest reported data, in fall 2012 students with SLD amounted to 39.8% of all students with disabilities ages 6 to 21 under IDEA, down from 43.3% in 2007. 

In Montana: Students ages 6-21 with a specific learning disability made up 3.75% of the total student population in 2011.

Nationally: Specific learning disabilities are considered a high-incidence disability. The U.S. Department of Education reports that there are over 2.2 million students being served for specific learning disabilities.