Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Who typically has a Learning Disability (LD)?

1. Individuals with below-average IQs

2. Individuals with average or above-average IQs

3. Individuals solely with emotional disturbances

4. Individuals who perform at a consistent level in school

The correct answer is: Individuals with average or above-average IQs

Individuals who typically have a Learning Disability (LD) are those with average or above-average IQs. Learning disabilities are specific neurological disorders that affect how the brain processes information. These conditions can impact various aspects of learning, including reading, writing, and mathematical skills, and are not indicative of a person’s overall intelligence. It is important to clarify that a student with a learning disability may perform poorly in certain academic areas despite having average or even above-average cognitive abilities. This discrepancy highlights the unique challenges faced by individuals with LD, who may exhibit significant difficulties in learning specific skills while demonstrating normal or high intellectual potential in other areas. This understanding contrasts with individuals who have below-average IQs, as they may be identified as having intellectual disabilities rather than learning disabilities. Additionally, individuals solely with emotional disturbances are not categorized specifically under learning disabilities, as this designation focuses on cognitive processing issues rather than emotional or behavioral challenges. Lastly, individuals who perform consistently in school are typically not identified as having learning disabilities, as their performance does not demonstrate the discrepancies often characteristic of LD.