Learning Disabilities

Defining Learning Disabilities

Criteria for Diagnosis includes:

n  Child does not achieve at expected age and ability levels

n  A severe discrepancy is present between a child’s achievement and potential in one or more of the following areas:

                                                Oral expression

                                                Listening comprehension

                                                Written expression

                                                Basic reading skills

                                                Reading comprehension

                                                Mathematics calculation

                                                Mathematic reasoning

Prevalence of Learning Disabilities

n  Student does not respond to Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies

n  Prevalence of Learning Disabilities

n  Estimates range from 1 to 30% of the school population

n  The federal government (2007) suggested that approximately 2.78 million students ages 6 to 21 were identified as having learning disabilities

n  The number of students identified with learning disabilities has increased over the years

Suspected Etiologies of Learning Disabilities

n  Acquired trauma to the central nervous system

n  Genetic/hereditary influences

n  Biochemical abnormalities

n  Environmental possibilities

Characteristics of Individuals
with Learning Disabilities

n  Hyperactivity

n  Perceptual-motor impairments

n  Emotional lability

n  Coordination problems

n  Attention disorders (ADHD)

n  Impulsivity

n  Memory disorders

n  Academic difficulties

n  Social skills deficits

n  Information processing difficulties

n  Lack of cognitive strategies for success (metacognition)

n  Language (reading, writing, speaking) and math deficits

Response to Intervention (RTI)

n  States have the option to use a discrepancy model to determine eligibility or they may implement RTI strategies.

n  RTI is generally a process that increases the levels of instructional interventions provided in the regular classroom.  Students who do not meet with success with intensive interventions may have a learning disability.

Assessment Strategies

n  Norm-referenced assessment

n  Criterion-referenced assessment

n  Curriculum-based assessment

n  Portfolio assessment

Approaches to Teaching Academic Skills

n  Cognitive training

–        Help students learn new ways to complete tasks and think about their learning

n  Direct instruction

–        Teacher-directed lessons that provide step-by-step explicit instruction

n  Learning strategies

–        Teach students how to find and learn new information

Suggestions for Teachers who have Students with Learning Disabilities

n  Capitalize on student’s strengths

n  Provide clear expectations and structure

n  Use simple sentences and vocabulary

n  Provide opportunities for success

n  Allow flexibility in classroom procedures

n  Use self-correcting materials

n  Provide positive reinforcement

Common Characteristics of Preschoolers who are At-Risk for Later Classification
of a Learning Disability

n  Use of jumbled words

n  Limited vocabulary

n  Difficulty focusing

n  Memory problems

n  Immaturity

n  Difficulty following simple directions

n  Problems understanding

n  Poor depth perception

n  Toe walking

n  Distractibility

n  Short attention span

n  Impulsiveness

n  Hyperactivity

n  Poor motor control

n  Delayed speech

Transition into Adulthood

Transition planning requirements:

–        Vocational training

–        Preparation for post secondary education

–        Employment possibilities

–        Independent living

–        Social skills

–        Self-determination skills

Adults with Learning Disabilities

n  Supports and modifications needed for college success

n  Time management issues

n  Organizational skills

n  Self-discipline

Family Issues

n  Lerner and Kline (2006) offer the following recommendations for parents of children with learning disabilities:

–        Become an informed consumer

–        Be an assertive advocate

–        Be firm yet empathetic in managing a child’s behavior

–        Devote time and attention to their family members

–        Make a life for yourself

Technology and Individuals with Learning Disabilities

The use of technology has been a great benefit to people with disabilities including those with learning disabilities.  Students with learning disabilities are increasingly making use of technology to assist them in achieving academic success including word processing, the internet, videodiscs, CD-ROMS, and hypermedia.

Trends, Issues, and Controversies

n  Full Inclusion Movement

n  Educational Reform Movement