Learning Disabilities Translational Science Collective: Building on the Florida LDRC

The long-range objective of the Learning Disabilities Translational Science Collective is to build on successes of the Florida Learning Disabilities Research Center to explicitly address the research to practice gap associated with the identification and treatment of children with specific learning disabilities (SLD) in word reading and reading comprehension. SLDs are a significant public health concern, with many children experiencing difficulty with reading, writing, and language skills in school. It is estimated that as many as 15-20 percent of the population experience effects of SLD. Without effective identification and treatment, individuals with SLD are more likely to drop out of school, have difficulty with employment, and encounter other challenges in daily life. To address this health disparity, the Center is organized around the translational science continuum and the concept of multi-disciplinary team science as a necessary approach to tackle this complex public health problem. This Center has four research projects and three cores (administrative, data management, and engagement) that work synergistically to address applied research questions about SLD. The research projects represent the translational science continuum (T1-T4). Project 1 addresses identification, classification, and risk prediction of SLD. Project 2 (high risk) investigates the genetic and environmental influence on the responsiveness to intervention for children who show early signs of reading risk. Project 3 (engagement) uses an implementation science approach to better understand how to develop sustainable process for assessment systems in authentic school settings. Project 4 will utilize population level screening data to better understand classification systems at scale. Every project includes engagement with early career researchers and community members to advance research and to enhance the translation of findings into practice to benefit children.