LEARNING DISABILITIES

A learning disability is a general term that describes specific learning disabilities. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills. The skills that are most commonly affected are: reading, spelling, listening, speaking, reasoning, and mathematics.
Learning disabilities (in English, "learning disabilities, LD) vary among people. A person with learning disabilities may have a type of learning problem different from another person. In the example above, Sarah has problems with reading and spelling. Another person might have problems with understanding math. Yet another person may have problems in each of these areas, as well as understanding what other people say.
The researchers believe that learning disabilities are caused by differences in how the brain works and how it processes information. Children with learning disabilities are not "stupid" or "lazy." In fact, they usually have average intelligence level or above average. What happens is that their brains process information differently.
The definition of "learning disability" found in the table below comes from the Education Act Individuals with Disabilities (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, "or IDEA). IDEA is the federal law that guides how schools provide special education and related services to children with disabilities. This special help that Sara is an example of receiving special education.
There is no "cure" for learning disabilities. They are for life. However, children with learning problems can progress a lot and can be taught ways to overcome the problem of learning. With help, children with learning problems can and do learn successfully.

Signs Learning Problem

§              You may have trouble learning the alphabet, to rhyme words or connecting letters with their sounds.

§              You can make mistakes when reading aloud, and repeat and pause often.

§              May not understand what they read.

§              May have difficulty with spelling.

§              May have very messy handwriting or hold a pencil awkwardly.

§              May struggle to express their ideas in writing.

§              You can learn language late and have a limited vocabulary.

§              You may have trouble remembering the sounds of letters or hear small differences between words.

§              You may have trouble understanding jokes, comic strips, and sarcasm.

§              You may have trouble following directions.

§              May mispronounce words or use a wrong word that sounds similar.

§              You may have trouble organizing what he or she wants to say or can not think of the word you need to write or talk.

§              May not follow social rules of conversation, such as taking turns, and may get too close to the person who listens.

§              May confuse math symbols and misread numbers.

§              It may not be able to retell a story in order (what happened first, second, third).

§              You may not know where to begin a task or how to go from there.

§              If your child has unexpected problems learning to read, write, listen, talk, or study math, then teachers and parents can investigate further.

 The same is true if the child is struggling in any of these skills. It is possible that the child has to be evaluated to see if you have a learning disability.

         

SCHOOL

 Learning disabilities tend o be diagnosed when children reach school age. This is because the school focuses on those things that can be difficult for the child, reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking, reasoning. Teachers and parents notice that the child is not learning as expected. School may request an evaluation to see what is causing the problem. Parents can also request an evaluation.
With hard work and proper support, children with learning disabilities can learn more easily and successfully. For school-age children (including preschoolers), special education services and related services are important sources of help. The school staff works with parents of the child to develop an Individualized Education Program (Individualized Education Program, or IEP). This document describes the unique needs of the child. It also describes the special education services to be provided to meet those needs. These services are provided at no cost to the child or family.
Supports or changes in the classroom (sometimes these are called accommodations) help most students with learning disabilities. You will find some common accommodations listed under "Tips for Teachers." Assistive technology can also help many students overcome their learning problems. Assistive technology devices can range from "low tech" tools such as tape recorders to "high tech" such as reading machines (which read books aloud) and systems for speech recognition (which allow the student " write "by talking to the computer.)
It is important to remember that the child may need assistance both at home and at school. The resources listed below will help families and teachers learn more about the many ways to help students with learning disabilities.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Learn more about learning disabilities. The more you know, the more you help yourself and your child. See the list of resources and organizations at the end of this publication.
Praise your child when he or she does well. Children with learning disability do well in a variety of things. Find out what things your child likes, such as dancing, playing soccer, or working with computers. Give your child plenty of opportunities to pursue their strengths and talents.
Find out how your child learns best. Do you learn through practical experience or by watching or listening? Help your child learn through their areas of strength.
Let your child help with household chores. These can build confidence and practical skills. Keep instructions simple, break down tasks into small steps and reward the efforts of your child with praise.
Make homework a priority. Read more about how you can help your child succeed with homework. (See resource list at the end of this publication.)
Pay attention to the mental health of your child (and yours!). Be open to counseling, which can help your child deal with frustration, feel better about yourself and learn more about social skills.Talk to other parents whose children have learning disabilities. Parents can share practical advice and emotional support. Call NICHCY (1.800.695.0285) and ask how to find parent groups near. Also let us connect you with the education and information center (PTI) in your state.
Meet with school staff and help develop an educational plan to address the needs of your child. Plan what accommodations your child needs.
Establish a positive working relationship with your child's teacher. Through regular communication, exchange information on the progress of your child at home and at school.

TIPS FOR TEACHER 

Learn all you can about the different types of learning disabilities. The resources and organizations at the end of this publication will help you identify specific techniques and strategies to support the student educationally.
Take the opportunity to make a big difference in this student's life! Find out the strengths and interests of students and focus on them. Give the student positive feedback and plenty of opportunities to practice.
Check records of student assessment to identify specific areas which have difficulty. Talk to specialists in your school (eg, special education teachers) on methods for teaching this student. Provide instruction and accommodations to address the special needs of the student. Some examples include:
Break tasks into smaller steps and provide verbal and written instructions;
Give the student more time to complete school work or tests
Allow the student with reading problems use recorded books (available from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, which is in the list of organizations at the end of this publication);
Let the hearing-impaired student Borrow notes from other students or use a tape recorder;

Let the student with writing difficulties use a computer with specialized programs that check spelling, grammar or speech recognition.

Teach organizational skills, study skills and learning strategies. They help all students, particularly those with learning disabilities.

Work with the student's parents to create an educational plan tailored to meet student needs. Through regular communication with them, exchange information about student progress in school.

http://www.schwablearning.org/

http://www.schwablearning.org/