Exceptionalities

Cognitive:

Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities and Gifted/ Talented

Course: Special Needs

Group: 3D

Lecturer: Miss Harris

Group One members:

Karen Powell- Llyod- SJ12 6788

Shanice Moodie- SJ12 6782

Monique Royal- SJ12 6790

Alesha Nelson- SJ12 6785

Nateenia Roye- SJ11 6662

Shakira Marshall- SJ12 6774

WHAT IS LEARNING DISABILITIES?

Learning disabilities (LDs) are limitations or group of

disorders that affect the brain's ability to receive, process, store,

respond to and communicate information. They are not the same as

intellectual disabilities/ mental retardation, sensory impairments

(vision or hearing) or autism spectrum disorders. (Inc, 2014)

LEARNING DISABILITIES (LD)

Children with LD are of average or above-average

intelligence but still struggle to acquire skills that impact their

performance in school, at home, in the community and in the

workplace. Learning disabilities are lifelong, and the sooner they are

recognized and identified, the sooner steps can be taken to

overcome the challenges they present.

Learning Disabilities Terminology

DisabilityArea of

difficultySymptoms include

trouble withExamples

Dyslexia Processing language

Reading

Writing

Spelling

Confusing letter names and sounds, difficulties blending sounds into words, slow rate

of reading, trouble remembering after reading

text

Dyscalculia Math skills

Computation

Remembering math facts

Concepts of time and money

Difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s, poor mental math skills, problems with spatial

directions

Dysgraphia Written expression

Handwriting

Spelling

Composition

Illegible handwriting, difficulty organizing ideas for

writing

Dyspraxia Fine motor skillsCoordination

Manual dexterity

Trouble with scissors, buttons, drawing

CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

The hallmark sign of a learning disability is a distinct and

unexplained gap between a person's level of expected achievement

and their performance. Learning disabilities affect every person

differently and they present differently at various stages of

development. LDs can range from mild to severe and it is not

uncommon for people to have more than one learning disability.

CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

Some common signs of LDs are:

difficulties with concentration

memory problem

delayed speech

pronunciation problems

difficulty learning new words

difficulty learning to read

trouble learning numbers, the alphabet etc.

difficulty following directions

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Intellectual disability (ID), which was once called mental

retardation, is characterized by mental ability and a lack of skills

necessary for day to day living. People with ID can, and may be

able to learn new skills, but they learn them more slowly. However

there are varying degrees of ID, from mild to profound.

TYPES OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Intellectual functioning

This is also know as IQ (Intelligence Quotient) that refers too a

person’s ability to learn, reason, make decision and solve problems.

Adaptive behaviours

Skills necessary for day- to- day life, such as being able to

communicate effectively, interact with others and take care of oneself.

DeNoon, D. J. (2005-2014)

CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Less-than-average I.Q.

Underdeveloped speech and language skills

Poor: memory, attention, perception, imagination, thinking,

computing and concentration

Lag significantly in grade- level

GIFTED/ TALENTED

Gifted and talented children are those students with

outstanding abilities, identified at preschool, elementary and

secondary levels. These students are capable of high performance

when compared to others of similar age, experience and

environment. (Dixon)

CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS WHO ARE GIFTED/ TALENTED

Students where are considered gifted or talented have:

An excellent memory

Able to comprehend subject matter at advance level

Rapid learning ability

Uses previously learned things in new contexts

Very responsible; can be counted on

Tends to question authority

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF LDS IN THE CLASSROOM

Teachers can accommodate students with learning disabilities, intellectual

disabilities and students who are gifted/ talented by:

Plan a special or an extra lesson plan for students with such disabilities.

Grouping students (student with different capability)

Appointing students with position or responsibilities to occupy their time (gifted

students).

Ensuring that the classroom environment is conducive to the students’ learning

and is child friendly.

(Washington, 2012)

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF LDS IN THE

CLASSROOM

Planning the lesson in a more accessible way to suite all students including

those with such disabilities.

Using more than one way to demonstrate or explain information/ the lesson,

Keeping instructions brief and uncomplicated ( repeat them word for word).

Allow time for clarification or direction and essential information.

Break assignments into segments of shorter tasks.

(Washington, 2012)

REFERENCES

Inc, N. C. (2014). What are Learning Disabilities? Retrieved September 30, 2014, from National Center for Learning

Disabilities: http://ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/what -is-ld/what-are-learning-disabilities

DeNoon, D. J. (2005-2014). Intellectual disability (Mental Retardation). Retrieved 30 September, 2014, from WebMB:

http: //www.webmb.com/children/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation

Washington,U.O. (2012). Achieving equal access through accommodations and universal design. Retrieved September

30, 2014,From Academic Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities:

http//www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/accomm_ld.html