Learning disabilities in children

What we know about learning disabilities and how to help children who have them.

This presentation will cover:

What a learning disability is Some common signs of learning disabilities Types of learning disabilities Causes of learning disabilities Basic facts about learning disabilities

How learning disabilities are identified and diagnosed What can be done about learning disabilities IDEA 2004 Questions

Some common signs of learning disabilities:

Reading: problems with syntax or grammar; poor reading ability or poor comprehension; difficulties with phonics Writing: problems with sentence structure, writing mechanics and organization; may spell the same word differently in the same paper Math: problems with numerical operations, math facts, or concepts; may reverse numbers Language: problems with comprehension of what is said or may misinterpret language; may respond in an inappropriate manner, unrelated to what is said; may be able to explain things orally, but not in writing

Some common signs of learning disabilities:

Auditory: may be bothered by different frequencies of sound; may consistently misunderstand what is being said Cognitive: may acquire new skills slowly; may have difficulties following directions, especially multiple directions Motor: may have problems with fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil; may have poor coordination; not good in sports Memory: may be able to learn information presented in one way, but not in another; may have difficulties memorizing

Types of learning disabilities:

Dyslexia: difficulties processing language; difficulties with reading

Dyscalculia: difficulties with math concepts and numerical operations; difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s
Dysgraphia: difficulties with handwriting; written expression Dyspraxia: difficulties with motor coordination; fine motor skills

Types of learning disabilities:

Auditory Processing Disorder: difficulties interpreting auditory information; may impact both language development and reading Nonverbal Learning Disorder: difficulties with nonverbal cues; social skill deficits; visual-spatial difficulties Visual Processing Disorder: difficulties interpreting visual information; difficulties with copying Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: difficulties with concentration and focus; impulsivity

Learning disabilities are not caused by:

Economic disadvantage

Environmental factors
Cultural or differences Poor parenting

How are learning disabilities identified and diagnosed?

If a parent chooses to have their child evaluated outside the schools, by a private, qualified professional, what might they expect?

Evaluation for LD:

Tests commonly used

Aptitude or IQ tests (WAIS III; WISC IV) Achievement tests (WJ III; WIAT II) Reading tests (GORT series) Writing tests (TOWL)

Cost of an LD evaluation:

Costs vary depending upon the tests used. Range is usually between $500 - $1500. This includes a report. Insurance companies do not pay for educational testing.

What can be done?

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

Section 504

is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the nondisabled are met

What can be done?

What can be done?

What can be done?

Children with learning disabilities have many strengths. Parents and teachers need to help children with LD to find and maximize their strengths

What can be done?

Instructional strategies in the classroom that meet the childs unique learning needs and style Accommodations in the classroom, such as preferential seating and extended time for tests

Interventions, such as 1: 1 instruction outside the classroom

What can be done?

Parents and teachers need to work together Clinicians and teachers/educators need to work together Parents and teachers need more education about LD and the short and long term effects of LD in a persons life

Parents and teachers need more information about what they can do to help a child with LD

Tips for parents:

Help your child find their strengths and/or passion Help your child find their island of competence Help your child accept both his/her strengths and weaknesses Explore and make available opportunities for success

Be careful with how you criticize your child

Avoid homework wars Set realistic goals

Tips for parents:

Most of all

Accept your child for who they are Dont blame your child for their learning differences. It is not their fault Let your child be involved. Listen to your child. Be aware of his/her feelings Your childs self-esteem is very important. Help your child to have a healthy self-esteem

Questions: