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

Which of the following is a hallmark of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)?

1. Deficits in visual processing

2. Significant difficulty in understanding or using language

3. Low IQ score

4. Primarily emotional or behavioral issues

The correct answer is: Significant difficulty in understanding or using language

The hallmark of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is significant difficulty in understanding or using language. This encompasses challenges related to reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning, which are core areas of learning affected by SLD. Unlike other disabilities, SLD specifically pertains to difficulties in processing information that are not due to low intelligence, emotional issues, or visual processing deficits. While deficits in visual processing could be associated with other types of disabilities, they do not specifically characterize SLD. A low IQ score is often not a requirement for diagnosing SLD, as students with average or above-average intelligence can still exhibit significant challenges in learning. Emotional or behavioral issues may occur alongside SLD but do not define the learning disability itself. Therefore, the focus on language processing challenges directly aligns with the defining characteristics of SLD, making it the correct response.