John doesn't seem to understand, Sue stutters while speaking, and Chris can solve sixth grade algebra problems. What do all these students have in common in the educational context? They are all children with special needs. John has learning difficulties, Sue has a communication disorder and Chris is gifted. Although the definitions, characteristics and causes of each are different, the responsibilities that schools have towards these children are the same. They all require needs that the average student doesn't need. The definition of learning disabilities that relates most to education is the definition used by the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): In general, the term "specific learning disorder" means a disturbance in 1 or more psychological processes basically involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, write, or do mathematical calculations. Included disorders —This term includes conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain lesions, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Disabilities not included —This term does not include a learning problem that is primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor impairment, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. (PL 108-466, Sec. 602[30]) There are two different types of assessments used to determine whether a child has a learning disability. The first is when there is a serious discrepancy between a student's IQ and his or her academic performance. The second method used is responsiveness to intervention (RTI). In this method the intervention is used...... half of the paper......ry. There are many times children may be diagnosed with two or more disabilities; this is known as dual diagnosis. When you consider learning disabilities, communication disorders, and talents, you would not normally think that a gifted student would need special services. Unfortunately, so much time is spent on disabilities that the gifted student can be forgotten. This is why the federal government includes people with special education. In all three situations, action is needed to ensure that students get the most out of their educational experience. It is hoped that as schools become accustomed to managing inclusion and meeting the needs of disabled people, they will devote more time to identifying and supporting the most gifted. Works Cited Heward, W. L. (2009). Exceptional children: An introduction to special education. Columbus: Pearson.