Learning Disability

Thsleem MP2nd MSWCentral University of Kerala

A learning disability is described as:

A state of arrested or incomplete development of mind

Significant impairment of intellectual functioning

Significant impairment of adaptive/social functioning

For Them ?It’s hard to learn things in the normal way

The brain is not able to receive and process information in the same way as others

May have trouble performing certain tasks or displaying certain skills

sTruggle with social skills and interaction

Exists from childhood or develops before birth

Does not develop in adulthood

A learning difficulty cannot be cured, but there is support available to help those with learning difficulties succeed in life. Learning difficulties are often confused with mental illness, but the two are entirely separate. The most common learning difficulties are attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia.

(Source: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/learning-difficulties.html)

Signs of a learning difficulty

• LESS concentration • trouble remembering • sequencing problems• difficulties reading and/or writing• difficulties with social interaction• tripping over things, excessive clumsiness If they become prominent or continuous, this may be an indication of a learning

difficulty.

Specific learning difficulties

• Dyslexia• Dysgraphia• Dyscalculia• ADHD – attention deficit hyperactive disorder

Learning disability: causes

Damage to central nervous system whilst in the womb

Lack of proper brain development

Did not receive enough oxygen during child birth

Smoking and taking drugs during pregnancy

Genetic influences

-Environment the child grows - Poor nutrition -environmental toxins

How are learning disabilities diagnosed?

Full evaluation includes

Medical examination- neurological exam (identify causes - emotional disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and brain diseases)

Exploration of developmental, social, and school performance

Discussion of family history

Academic achievement testing and psychological assessment

Specialists work as a team - psychologist, special education expert, and speech-language pathologist (SLP)

When is the right time to seek help?

• hard to differentiate between a child struggling with the normal learning process, and a child struggling to the point of having a learning difficulty, and needing alternative methods to help them learn

• The first signs of a potential learning difficulty may arise when the child is learning to speak, read, write or solve problems

Solution ? Usually, experts work to help a child learn skills by building on

the child’s strengths and developing ways to compensate for the child’s weaknesses.

Interventions vary depending on the nature and extent of the disability.

Interventions for Specific Learning Disabilities

DyslexiaSpecial teaching techniques

Classroom modificationsUse of technology

Dysgraphia

Special tools Use of technology

Other ways of reducing the need for writing

DyscalculiaVisual techniques

Use of memory aidsUse of computers

interventions

• Play therapy• Narrative therapy• Psycho education• Motivational interview• Behavioral intervention• Self instructional training• Relaxation strategies• Skills training

MAIN concerns of parents

• Will my child ever learn to read and spell?

answer : With appropriate intervention, a dyslexic student can

expect to read with the same degree of accuracy as their age peers by the time they leave school.

Will my child be able to get a good education, go to university, get a job?

The answer to all these questions is YES.

To achieve at school, a dyslexic needs: laptop/computer-powerpoint presentationpersonal routines-making reminder lists- computer software available such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text- &spell-checker

What are the characteristics of dyslexics who have been successful in their chosen careers?

1. understanding of how dyslexia affects2. strong desire to succeed3. willingness to work hard4. confidence5. make use of appropriate aids 6. find an area that suits their particular skills7. have support and understanding at home and at school

cOncluSION

The most important treatment, however, may simply be someone helping the child/adolescent/young adult accept who they are and determine the best ways to move on

Thank YOU

National Institutes of Healthhttps://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/pages/treatment.aspx

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/basics/treatment-for-learningdisabilities/

http://www.speld-sa.org.au/faq/dyslexia.html#diagnosing dyslexia