FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

What is a common misconception about individuals with learning disabilities?

1. They have lower intelligence

2. They cannot learn at all

3. They are solely non-verbal

4. They all have the same symptoms

The correct answer is: They have lower intelligence

The belief that individuals with learning disabilities have lower intelligence is a common misconception because learning disabilities are not indicative of a person's overall cognitive ability. In fact, individuals with learning disabilities can have average or above-average intelligence. Their challenges typically arise in specific areas related to processing information, such as reading, writing, or mathematics, rather than reflecting their intellectual capacity as a whole. The other options can also contribute to misunderstandings about learning disabilities. For instance, the idea that individuals with learning disabilities cannot learn at all is incorrect, as many develop effective strategies and accommodations to succeed academically. Similarly, the notion that they are solely non-verbal fails to recognize the diversity within learning disabilities; not all individuals are non-verbal, and many communicate effectively. Lastly, asserting that all individuals with learning disabilities present the same symptoms disregards the wide spectrum of learning disabilities and the unique experiences of each individual.