Is strabismus a learning disability? ?

Question

I have strabismus. I know it effects the learning, but is it technically classified as a learning disability?

Answer 1

No.  Your condition, although it would most likely affect your learning, is NOT considered a learning disability for educational purposes, as any learning difficulties would be the result of a medical condition.  Your condition, for educatioanl purposes, could be classified as Visually Impaired or Other Health Impaired, and you would be entitled to the accomodations and services offered under these labels if you met the criteria and demonstrated a need for special programming.  A 504 plan is another possibility.

In terms of what constitutes LD, Beetlemilk has it close, but not altogether correct.  One of the main criteria for a learning disability is a significant (usually 15 points, but it depends on the age of the child and the state in which the evaluation is being done) discrepancy between acheivement and ability (IQ). Having a significant discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal (performance) scores can otherwise indicate possible LD or another neurological problem, but is not in and of itself enough to diagnose LD.  Other criteria include evidence of processing deficits and a need for special programming.  Additionally, in your case, if you were being evaluated for LD, the evaluator would actually have to prove that the LD is NOT the result of a medical condition (such as strabismus).

Answer 2

it's not a learning disability--it is a sensory disability--

you may qualify for services through a 504 plan...

Answer 3

Does it effect your learning or your reading?  I would think that if it impaired your reading enough you could be considered LD.  To have an LD diagnosis the verbal and performance scores must have a discrepancy greater than 15.

Answer 4

get some glasses from an opthalmologist & you should be fine.