What Language Should We Use When Talking About Children With Specific Learning Disorders? A Study Exploring the
Hayley Anthony1, Louise McLean1, Aspasia Stacey Rabba1
1Faculty of Education, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
Dyslexia (Chichester, England)
|February 17, 2025
Summary
People with specific learning disorders (SLDs) and their support networks prefer person-first language and terms like "dyslexia" over "learning disability." Terminology choice significantly impacts how strengths and diversity are perceived.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Linguistics
Background:
- A wide array of terminology is used in Australia when discussing specific learning disorders (SLDs) in children and young people.
- Understanding the perception of SLD-related terms by adults with SLDs, parents, and professionals is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify preferred terminology for specific learning disorders (SLDs).
- To explore factors influencing language preferences among individuals with SLDs, their parents, and supporting professionals.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 177 participants.
- Participants rated their preference for a list of SLD-related terms and provided reasons for their choices.
Main Results:
- Clear language preferences were identified among dyslexic adults, parents, and professionals.
- Terms like "dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia," "dyslexic/dysgraphic/dyscalculic," "person with dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia," and "challenges" were highly favored.
- Conversely, terms such as "learning disability," "learning disabled," "impairment," "deficit," "weakness," and "person with a learning disability" were least preferred.
Conclusions:
- Language preferences for SLDs are context-dependent and influenced by the intent of communication.
- The findings have significant implications for societal perceptions of strengths and diversity in individuals with SLDs.
- Adopting preferred terminology can positively impact individuals with specific learning disorders.
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