Which cognitive disability category often shows a significant gap between intellectual ability and school performance?

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) often demonstrate a notable disparity between a student's intellectual potential and their actual academic performance. Students with SLDs have average or above-average intelligence as measured by standard intelligence tests, yet they struggle significantly in one or more areas of academic skill, such as reading, writing, or mathematics. This discrepancy can often be attributed to specific processing deficits that affect their ability to perform in school despite their cognitive capabilities.

Understanding this gap is crucial for educators, as it informs instructional strategies and interventions tailored to address individual learning needs. By recognizing that a student with a specific learning disability may understand concepts intellectually but struggle to apply them in a school context, teachers can adopt specialized teaching methods, utilize appropriate resources, and provide the necessary support to help bridge that performance gap.