Final answer:
Dyslexia is the disorder characterized by a substantial discrepancy between reading achievement and what is predicted by IQ or age, making it a common learning disability in children that requires academic accommodations. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Dyslexia as a Learning Disability
The disorder characterized by reading achievement that is substantially lower than expected, based on an individual's IQ or age, is dyslexia. Dyslexia is recognized as the most common learning disability in children and involves difficulty in accurately processing letters due to a neurological mechanism malfunction. These challenges with reading and sometimes writing do not align with the child's intelligence levels and can sometimes manifest in language-related tasks such as spelling and speaking. It's notable that learning disabilities, including dyslexia, can often occur alongside other disorders, such as ADHD, which is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, ADHD does not inherently involve the specific difficulties with reading and writing that dyslexia does.
Contrastingly, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) feature a wider array of cognitive and behavioral impairments and are not specifically associated with discrepancies between reading abilities and IQ or age, as dyslexia is. Finally, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder with episodes of both manic and depressive symptoms, and does not inherently involve difficulties related to reading or writing, as do learning disabilities like dyslexia.
It is important to provide academic accommodations for students with dyslexia to enable them to succeed in school. These accommodations may include alternative assessment methods that accommodate their learning disability. Proper diagnosis and support are crucial for these students to effectively manage their dyslexia and achieve academic success.