Learning Disabilities Concept and Identification: Primary Teachers' Perspectives in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

 Abstract—Identification of Learning Disabilities LD is a significant stage in supporting pupils which requires caution, in that it might incorrectly exclude some students who have LD or include others who do not have them. In terms of the concept, the term used in this paper is 'learning disabilities' (LD) because this is the one utilised in Saudi Arabia. However, this term is not internationally used. In the UK it is called 'specific learning difficulties' (SpLD) or 'dyslexia'. In 1996, the Department of Learning Disabilities in Saudi Arabia launched the Saudi Learning Disabilities Programme (SLDP) in primary schools to identify and serve Students With Learning Disabilities (SWLD). This paper will address the concept of LD and the effectiveness of the identification strategies through exploring teachers' perceptions. The discussion will be based on the pilot study which assisted to develop the data collection methods of main study.