What Lies Behind Diagnostic Labels? High Intra-Individual Variability Is the True Cognitive Signature of University Students with Specific Learning Disorders

: The findings suggest that traditional categorical labels for Specific Learning Disorders have limited explanatory power in adulthood, given the high heterogeneity of cognitive functioning. Cognitive weaknesses, particularly in working memory, persist even in high-achieving university students. Clinical and educational support should shift from a label-based approach toward a dimensional, profile-based model to better address the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of adults with Specific Learning Disorders.

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Publication Details

Journal
Brain Sciences
Published
2026-04-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16040404
Primary Topic
Reading and Literacy Development
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

What Lies Behind Diagnostic Labels? High Intra-Individual Variability Is the True Cognitive Signature of University Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Sara Zonca, Luisa Girelli, Marzia Lucia Bizzaro
Brain Sciences
Reading and Literacy Development
article

What Lies Behind Diagnostic Labels? High Intra-Individual Variability Is the True Cognitive Signature of University Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Sara Zonca, Luisa Girelli, Marzia Lucia Bizzaro
article en

Abstract

: The findings suggest that traditional categorical labels for Specific Learning Disorders have limited explanatory power in adulthood, given the high heterogeneity of cognitive functioning. Cognitive weaknesses, particularly in working memory, persist even in high-achieving university students. Clinical and educational support should shift from a label-based approach toward a dimensional, profile-based model to better address the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of adults with Specific Learning Disorders.

Brain SciencesVol. 16(4)
University of Pavia (IT), University of Milano-Bicocca (IT)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 28%
Reading and Literacy Development
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What Lies Behind Diagnostic Labels? High Intra-Individual Variability Is the True Cognitive Signature of University Students with Specific Learning Disorders — Sara Zonca, Luisa Girelli, et al. · Brain Sciences (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS