reading disability


reading disability

Reading disorder Neurology A difficulty in learning to read despite normal IQ and opportunity to learn with competent instruction, in absence of general health problems, emotional disturbances or sensory defects. See Dyslexia.

disability

(dis?a-bil'it-e) [ ¹dis- + ability] Any physical, mental, or functional impairment that limits a major activity. It may be partial or complete. The definition of disability is controversial. To some experts it refers to any restriction or inability to perform socially defined roles or tasks that are expected of an individual in specific social contexts. Another concept of disability is that it is any restriction or lack of ability to perform tasks or roles in the manner previously considered normal for an individual. Contemporary views of disability recognize that characteristics of the environment interact with an individual’s abilities to determine functional performance. In this view, the presence of disability is not entirely determined by bodily function or impairment. Synonym: activity limitation; functional limitation See: death for table; handicap

developmental disability

A disability due to congenital abnormality, trauma, deprivation, or disease that interrupts or delays the sequence and rate of normal growth, development, and maturation.

excess disability

The discrepancy that exists when a person's functional limitations are greater than those warranted by the objective degree of impairment. Often excess disability is created by attitudes and policies that create barriers to a disabled person's full participation.

learning disability

Any of several disorders characterized by difficulty in reading, writing, or mathematics that is two standard deviations below the norm for a person of otherwise normal intelligence. The condition may become apparent at an early age but usually is not recognized until the child begins formal education in school. The frequency of this condition in boys is five times that in girls. About 5% of children in school use special educational services because of learning disorders. Synonym: academic skills disorder; learning disorder

nonverbal learning disability

Any cognitive or mood disorder that is first noticed in school-aged children in which language use is preserved, but other abilities (e.g., in affect, computation, or drawing) are adversely affected.

reading disability

Dyslexia.