Which type of disability represents the largest percentage of students served under IDEA?

The correct choice is learning disability, as it represents the largest percentage of students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Learning disabilities encompass a wide range of challenges that affect a child's ability to process information, which can impact reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic areas. This category includes conditions such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, all of which can significantly impede educational performance. The prevalence of learning disabilities is notably high among the student population receiving special education services, making it the most common category of disability under IDEA.

In contrast, other categories such as autism, emotional disturbance, and speech or language impairments serve fewer students comparatively. While these conditions also require support and services, they do not account for as large a percentage of the special education demographic as learning disabilities do. Understanding the proportion of learning disabilities among students served by IDEA is crucial for educators and policymakers as they design interventions and allocate resources for special education.