What characterizes a Specific Learning Disorder?

A Specific Learning Disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties in academic skills, such as reading, writing, or mathematics, that are significantly below what is expected for a person's age, intellectual ability, and educational opportunities. These difficulties are not the result of inadequate instruction and remain despite appropriate interventions. The emphasis on "persistent" underscores that these challenges continue over time rather than being temporary or situational.

The other options describe more limited or specific challenges. For instance, stating that there are only difficulties in mathematics or only issues with reading comprehension does not capture the broader spectrum of the disorder, which can affect multiple areas of learning concurrently. Furthermore, difficulty with physical coordination pertains to different disorders, such as Developmental Coordination Disorder, rather than a Specific Learning Disorder, which focuses strictly on academic skill deficits. Thus, the selected answer highlights the essential aspects of the disorder, acknowledging its complexity and the necessity for interventions.