Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Which disorder can manifest in a child by impairing their ability to read or write?

1. Speech and Language Impairments

2. Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

3. Transition IEP

4. Multiple Disabilities

The correct answer is: Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

The option that indicates a disorder manifesting in a child by impairing their ability to read or write is Specific Learning Disability (SLD). This category includes a range of difficulties related to academic skills and performance, particularly in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia). Children diagnosed with SLD may struggle with comprehension, spelling, and overall writing mechanics, which directly affects their ability to communicate effectively through written language. SLD is recognized as a disorder that specifically targets academic skills, meaning its impact is focused on the learning process tied to those skills rather than broader physical or cognitive disabilities. Intervention strategies for SLD often involve tailored teaching methods and specialized support, aiming to equip the child with effective tools to enhance their literacy and writing capabilities. In contrast, speech and language impairments primarily affect a child's ability to communicate verbally rather than their literacy skills. A Transition IEP is not a disorder but rather a plan that prepares students with disabilities for life after school, addressing their overall transition needs rather than specifically targeting reading or writing issues. While multiple disabilities can encompass a variety of challenges, including learning difficulties, the phrase is too broad to solely identify the specific reading or writing impairments that SLD explicitly addresses