Neurodevelopmental Disorders- Specific Learning Disorder

Question 1

Specific Learning Disorder: Criteria A

Answer 1

Difficulties learning & using academic skills, the presence of at least one of the following sx that have persisted for at least 6 mos despite interventions that target difficulties.
1. Inaccurate or slow & effortful word reading
2. Difficulty understanding the meaning of what is read
3. Difficulties w/ spelling
4. Difficulties w/ written expression
5. Difficulties mastering number sense, number facts, or calculation
6. Difficulties w/ mathematical reasoning

Question 2

Criteria B

Answer 2

Affected academics skills are substantially & quantifiably below those expected for the individual’s chronological age, and cause significant interference w/ academic or occupational performance, activities with daily living confirmed by standardized achievement measures & clinical assessment. Individuals 17 and older have a documented history of impairing learning difficulties can be substituted for the standardized test

Question 3

Criteria C

Answer 3

Learning difficulties begin during school age years but may not fully manifest until the academic demands exceed the individual’s limited capacity. Example: timed tests, reading or writing lengthy complex reports

Question 4

Criteria D

Answer 4

Learning difficulties are not accounted for by intellectual disabilities, visual or auditory issues, other mental or neurological disorders, psychosocial adversities, lack of proficiency in language or inadequate educational instructions

Question 5

With impairment in reading

Answer 5

Word reading accuracy
Reading rate or fluency
Reading Comprehension
Dyslexia: alternative term used to refer to a pattern of learning difficulties. if dyslexia is used to specify it is important to specify any additional difficulties that are present such as comprehension or math reasoning

Question 6

With impairment in written expression

Answer 6

spelling accuracy
Grammar & punctuation accuracy
Clarify or organization of written expression

Question 7

With impairment in math

Answer 7

Number sense
Memorization of arithmetic facts
Accurate of fluent calculation
Accurate math reasoning

Question 8

Specify Severity

Answer 8

Mild: Some difficulty in one or two academic domains, individual is able to compensate or function well w/ appropriate accommodations
Moderate: Difficulties in one or more academic domains & individuals are unlikely to become proficient w/o intensive, specialized teaching
Severe: Severe difficulty learning skills, affecting several academic domains, ongoing & specialized treatment is needed