Specific Learning Disability: Jerilyn

Specific Learning disability:

Disorder in one or more of the basic psychological process involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia

Disorders not included: Learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. (Page: 8)

*Although it is not mentioned in the definition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be considered a specific learning disability because it affects how an individual can perform a task. There is some controversy on whether or not ADHD should be considered a separate condition not a learning disability. (Page: 115)

The same information above is also listed as the definition of Specific Learning Disabilities under Section 602 of The U.S. Department of Education (2004) Children with Specific Learning Disabilities struggle to learn and often need extra support to help them succeed in school.

Identifying Specific Learning Disabilities:

1. “The assumption that a learning disability has a neurological basis is sound but it is hard for teachers to use ‘neurologic anomalies’ as evidence when they are trying to decide whether a student has a learning disability.” (Page: 108)

2. Monitoring and evaluating a student’s behavior and performance is used to determine the presence of a learning disability.

3. The RIT model is one option that schools can use to identify students with learning disabilities. (Page: 113)

IDea 2004: section 614 (page: 113)

(b) EVALUATION PROCEDURES.

(6) SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES.

(A) IN GENERAL. Notwithstanding section 607 (b0, . . . when determining whether a child has a specific learning disability as defined in section 602 (29), a local educational agency shall not be required to take into consideration whether a child has severe discrepancy between achievement an intellectual ability in oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading skill, reading comprehension, mathematical calculation, or mathematical reasoning, , ,

(B) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY. In determining whether a child has a specific learning disability, a local educational agency may use a process that determines if the child responds to scientific, research-based intervention as a part of the evaluation procedures described in paragraphs (2) and (3). (IDEA, 2004)

causes of specific learning disabilities: There has not been a single cause of learning disabilities discovered yet. There have been some neurological differences and sensory deficits in different children with learning disabilities and there have been recent studies that have found difference in brain structures among students who have reading problems, attention deficits, and auditory processing difficulties. Some evidence indicates that some learning disabilities may even be genetic because these issues “run in the families.” (Page: 117)

Characteristic of specific learning disabilities: Each child with learning disabilities has his or her own unique structure. They vary in their academic, personal, and social characteristic. (Page: 109)

Instructional stratagies for specific learning disabilities: In the household there should be a constant schedule for daily routines (bedtime, wake-up times, dressing, leaving for school, meals, TV time, chores, etc.). Develop clear guidelines of expected behavior (teachers can also do this), make sure everything is organized, set out things the night before like clothes to prevent confusion and tough decision making in the morning. Monitor TV time, computer time, Internet time, and programs viewed. Always communicate love and support when the child is doing what you’ve asked. (Page: 139) Those with specific learning disabilities are often given more time for test and work in schools. They are also allowed to take their tests in private to avoid distraction from their peers. There is also medication available for individuals with ADHD although not every child needs to take it.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES: There are programs out there designed to help in changing the situation in the education system in terms of aiding students with learning disabilities. The group CHADD is designed to help improve the learning environment for children with ADHD.

Kirk S. , Gallagher J.J. , Coleman M.R. , & Anastasiow N. (2009).Educating Exceptional Children (12th ed.). Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.