What does a specific learning disability, according to IDEA, involve?

The definition of a specific learning disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) centers around a disorder that impacts one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, whether spoken or written. This can manifest in difficulties with listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities.

This definition emphasizes that the learning disability originates from intrinsic factors affecting cognitive processing and is not simply a result of poor instruction, environmental factors, or a lack of interest in the subject. Instead, it focuses on the underlying psychological processes that hinder a student's ability to learn effectively. In contrast, options that reference physical impairments, temporary conditions, or lack of interest do not align with this specific definition, as they do not address the cognitive and psychological aspects of learning disabilities as outlined by IDEA.