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Transcript of learning disability
Learning Disabilities
What is a learning disability?
Having trouble: Processing information Organizing information Applying information
Types of Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia A language and reading disability
DyscalculiaProblems with arithmetic and math concepts
DysgraphiaA writing disorder resulting in illegibility
Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder)
Problems with motor coordination
Types of Learning Disabilities
Central Auditory Processing DisorderDifficulty processing and remembering language-related tasks
Non-Verbal Learning DisordersTrouble with nonverbal cues, e.g., body language; poor coordination, clumsy
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitReverses letters; cannot copy accurately;
Language Disorders (Aphasia/Dysphasia)Trouble understanding spoken language; poor reading comprehension
Causes or Presumed causes of Learning Disabilities
NO real causes Might be caused by:
HereditaryTeratogenicMedicalEnvironmental
Incidence Rates
Estimated 15 % of the U.S. population
6 % to 8 % of school age population
Not a Learning Disability
• Visual• Hearing• Motor disabilities• Mental retardation• Emotional disturbance• Environmental, cultural, or economic
disadvantage
Does my student have ADD or ADHD?
Hyperactive ImpulsiveFidgety Inattentive Disorganized
Unreasonable emotional negativity
Emotional outbursts Frustration over minor issues Bedwetting (All characteristics may vary with age)
Approaches to diagnose ADD and ADHD
Evaluate student’s behavior Continuous performance test
(CPT)Diagnosis should be based on
multiple pieces of information and observations
Approaches used to diagnose dyslexia
Today, only after a student has reading difficulties can dyslexia be diagnosed
Dyslexia may have “biological roots”
Psychological testing can determine if a child has dyslexia
Characteristics of Learning Disabilities
Most students exhibit uneven areas of ability
Student is physically “normal”Average or above average
intelligenceCommonly found in general
education classes: dyslexia and ADD/ADHD
Many LDs need to be medically diagnosed
Does the child have dyslexia?
Reading characteristics
Writing characteristics
Numbers/Sequencing
Celebrities with dyslexia
• Tom Cruise
• Walt Disney
• Henry “The Fonz” Winkler
• Magic Johnson
Celebrities with ADD/ADHD
• Ty Pennington
• Ellen Degeneres
• Robin Williams
• Tracy Gold
INSTRUCTIONAL IDEAS: ASSISTANCE WITH AUDIO AND
VISUAL ASPECTS OF LEARNING
Teachers may find the following helpful:Repeat and summarize oral lecture notes
and give students written versions of key points.
Verbalize what is being written on the chalkboard and read aloud the material contained in handouts.
Send students a copy of booklist for upcoming semester/school year so that students can “get a jump on” the reading assignments.
ASSISTANCE DURING ASSESSMENTS:
The teacher may wish to:Choose an alternate exam site away from
the general education classroom. Ensure that this alternate locale is free from auditory and visual distracters.
Avoid confusing or complicated language and/or consider a substitute exam/assessment.
Allow student extra time to complete exams/assignments, especially if there are unique demands regarding reading and writing skills.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL IDEAS
Teachers should:Supporting learning with visualsStressing step-by-step instructions
For students with ADHD, teachers should:
Give only one assignment at a time.
TECHNOLOGY USED
COMPUTERS:For writing assignments, students with LD
should be allowed to use a computer (if available) so that they can get spelling support through the spell check program.
Students with dyslexia may find that writing assignments are more easily completed on a computer.
Consider trying computer software, like Kurzweil 3000, which reads textbooks and other materials to students.
OTHER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Teachers may:Allow students to use calculators during
Math, when the goal is concept attainment (and not automaticity of math facts)
Allow students to tape record lectures and/or tape notes for students.
Allow students who cannot speak clearly to use a speech synthesizer
Assessment:Allow for alternate forms of assessment by
allowing students to demonstrate learning through such things as portfolios, slide presentations, photographic essays, or taped interviews.
INTERESTING FACTS
EMOTIONAL ISSUES Students with learning disabilities may suffer from emotional problems/depression, and/or low self-esteem. This may cause students to withdraw from social interaction. These same students may turn to drugs or alcohol for
relief from feelings of low self-worth. As many as 35% of students with learning disorders, drop out of High School (Girod, 2001, p. 31). “Teenagers with dyslexia …[are] more likely to…think
about and to attempt suicide than other young people their
age” (Landau, 2004, pp. 48-9).
Additional Resources• Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library RoadPittsburgh, PA 15234(412) 341-1515
• President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities1331 F Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20004(202) 376-6200
• National Center for Law and Learning DisabilitiesP.O. Box 368Cabin John, MD 20818(301) 469-8308
• http://www.ldonline.org/• http://www.iser.com/index.shtml• http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/learning_disabilities.shtml• http://www.starbeacon.com/index.asp?MC=NEXT&NID=4&AID=3767
Resourceshttp://www.odc.state.or.us/tadoc/ada40.htmhttp://65.54.187.250/cgibin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=d0b0b9bbf10d4f4426ce5e44a90e1454&lat=1084629747&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fericec%2eorg%2ffact%2ffamous%2ehtmlhttp://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread/t-4159.htmlFlynn, M. & Flynn, P. (1998). Thinking about having a learning disability. London: Belitha Press. Girod, C. M. (2001). Diseases and disorders: Learning disabilities. San Diego: Lucent
Books. Landau, E. (2004). Dyslexia. New York: Franklin Watts. Silverstein, A., Silverstein V., & Silverstein Nunn, L. (2001). Dyslexia. New York: Franklin Watts. "How Not to Diagnose ADHD" Contemporary Pediatrics Archive, Nov. 1996 by Martin Baren MD, James Swanson, PhD "The Clinical Characteristics of Behaviors of ADD/ADHD People Vary with Age" ADD Medical Treatment Center of Santa Clara valley The Gardner School online site. www.gardnerschool.org "Georgetown researchers to present evidence of biological cause of dyslexia" Press release Feb 14, 2001. Georgetown University Medical Center Learning Disabilities Association of America www.ldanatl.org The International Dyslexia Society, www.interdys.org