Which term describes a disorder whereby a deficiency in one or more basic psychological processes in using or understanding spoken or written language causes difficulties in communication or calculations?

• A. Intellectual disabilities
• B. Other health impairment
• C. Orthopedic impairment
• D. Specific learning disability

Answer: (D)

This item focuses on a learning-related processing deficit that affects language use and symbol understanding. The description fits a Specific Learning Disability, which is defined as difficulties in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language (spoken or written), leading to challenges in communication or calculations. This means a student may have average or above-average intelligence but still struggle with reading, writing, or math due to processing weaknesses.

This isn’t describing an intellectual disability, which involves broader limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive skills, nor is it about other health issues or physical impairments that would fall under different categories. So the term that best matches the described pattern of language-based processing difficulties is Specific Learning Disability.