According to IDEA, what defines a "Child with a disability"?

The definition of a "Child with a disability" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) encompasses various categories of impairments that may impact a child's educational performance. The correct answer reflects this comprehensive view, as it includes children who have specific learning disabilities or other types of impairments affecting their ability to learn.

IDEA identifies several categories of disabilities, including specific learning disabilities, autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disabilities, and more. Therefore, the correct option is inclusive of both specific learning disabilities and a broader range of other impairments, emphasizing that the law recognizes the diverse nature of disabilities that can affect a child’s educational needs.

In contrast, defining a child solely by physical disability, as seen in one of the options, does not capture the full spectrum of disabilities outlined by IDEA. Similarly, a child in need of special education services might be vague and does not specifically refer to the legal definition of a child with a disability. Lastly, while cognitive impairments are part of the IDEA definition, limiting the classification to only cognitive impairment overlooks numerous other disabilities recognized by the law. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the varied definitions provided by IDEA, ensuring that multiple types of disabilities are taken into account for educational support.