Overview
Specific learning disability (SLD), also known as specific learning disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in acquiring and using academic skills such as reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia). As classified under Orphanet (ORPHA:211047), this condition affects the central nervous system's ability to efficiently process certain types of information, despite the individual having normal intellectual capacity, adequate educational opportunities, and no other neurological or sensory impairment that would better explain the difficulties. The condition typically becomes apparent during the early school years when academic demands increase. Key features include difficulties with accurate or fluent word reading, poor reading comprehension, difficulties with spelling, impaired written expression, difficulty mastering number sense or calculation, and problems with mathematical reasoning. The severity can range from mild to severe, and multiple domains may be affected simultaneously. SLD can significantly impact educational achievement, occupational performance, and daily activities that require these academic skills. Specific learning disability is considered a multifactorial condition with strong genetic contributions, as evidenced by high heritability estimates and familial clustering, though environmental factors also play a role. There is no cure, but early identification and targeted educational interventions are the cornerstone of management. These include specialized teaching strategies, individualized education programs (IEPs), accommodations in academic and workplace settings, assistive technology, and in some cases, speech-language therapy or occupational therapy. With appropriate support, individuals with SLD can achieve significant academic and professional success.
Also known as:
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
FDA & Trial Timeline
10 eventsThe University of The West Indies — NA
Hacettepe University — NA
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences — NA
Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University
Biogenea Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — EARLY_PHASE1
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital
Bartın Unıversity — NA
Alexandria University — NA
Vanderbilt University — NA
Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Specific learning disability.
3 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Specific learning disability.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Specific learning disability.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Specific learning disability
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: COLONYVAQ™, a Quantum-Classical Guided Personalized Neoantigen Vaccine for MSS Stage III Colorectal Cancer
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Expanding the Scope of Post-transplant HLA-specific Antibody Detection and Monitoring in Renal Transplant Recipients
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Virtual Biopsy of Prostate Cancer Using PSMA PET and AI
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Effectiveness of a 6-week Specific Rehabilitation Program on Walking Capacity in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Risk Prevention Program and Therapeutic Patient Education Program of Patients With Uncontrolled Epilepsy
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Effects of Education and Exercise on Pain, Psychosocial Factors, and Upper Limb Function in Non-specific Neck Pain.
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Pai.ACT - An Artificial Intelligence Driven Chatbot Assisted ACT
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: FAB Programme for Parents of Children With NDD
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Pain Education and Patient-led Goal Setting in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Randomised Controlled Trial
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
New recruiting trial: Sleep Disorders in Specific Learning Disabilities
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Specific learning disability
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Common questions about Specific learning disability
What is Specific learning disability?
Specific learning disability (SLD), also known as specific learning disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in acquiring and using academic skills such as reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia). As classified under Orphanet (ORPHA:211047), this condition affects the central nervous system's ability to efficiently process certain types of information, despite the individual having normal intellectual capacity, adequate educational opportunities, and no other neurological or sensory impairment that would bett
How is Specific learning disability inherited?
Specific learning disability follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Specific learning disability typically begin?
Typical onset of Specific learning disability is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Specific learning disability?
Yes — 3 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Specific learning disability on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Specific learning disability?
25 specialists and care centers treating Specific learning disability are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.