learningdisabilities (for teachers)

7/29/2019 LearningDisabilities (for Teachers)

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Learning disabilities in children

What we know about learning disabilitiesand how to help children who havethem.


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This presentation will cover:

What a learningdisability is

Some common signs oflearning disabilities

Types of learningdisabilities

Causes of learningdisabilities

Basic facts aboutlearning disabilities

How learningdisabilities are identifiedand diagnosed

What can be doneabout learning

disabilities IDEA 2004

Questions


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Some common signs of learning

disabilities:

Reading: problems with syntax or grammar; poor readingability or poor comprehension; difficulties with phonics

Writing: problems with sentence structure, writingmechanics and organization; may spell the same worddifferently in the same paper

Math: problems with numerical operations, math facts, or

concepts; may reverse numbers

Language: problems with comprehension of what is said ormay misinterpret language; may respond in an inappropriatemanner, unrelated to what is said; may be able to explainthings orally, but not in writing


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Some common signs of learning

disabilities:

Auditory: may be bothered by different frequencies ofsound; may consistently misunderstand what is being said

Cognitive: may acquire new skills slowly; may havedifficulties following directions, especially multiple directions

Motor: may have problems with fine motor skills, such as

holding a pencil; may have poor coordination; not good insports

Memory: may be able to learn information presented in oneway, but not in another; may have difficulties memorizing


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Types of learning disabilities:

Dyslexia: difficulties processing language; difficulties withreading

Dyscalculia: difficulties with math concepts and numericaloperations; difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s

Dysgraphia: difficulties with handwriting; writtenexpression

Dyspraxia: difficulties with motor coordination; fine motorskills


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Types of learning disabilities:

Auditory Processing Disorder: difficulties interpretingauditory information; may impact both language

development and reading

Nonverbal Learning Disorder: difficulties with nonverbalcues; social skill deficits; visual-spatial difficulties

Visual Processing Disorder: difficulties interpreting visualinformation; difficulties with copying

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: difficulties withconcentration and focus; impulsivity


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Learning disabilities are not caused

by:

Economic disadvantage

Environmental factors

Cultural or differences

Poor parenting


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How are learning disabilities identified

and diagnosed?

If a parent chooses to have their childevaluated outside the schools, by a private,qualified professional, what might they

expect?


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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)


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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.


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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 tobe met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met


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What can be done?


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What can be done?


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What can be done?

Children with learning disabilities havemany strengths. Parents and teachersneed to help children with LD to find andmaximize their strengths


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What can be done?

Instructional strategies in the classroom that meetthe childs unique learning needs and style

Accommodations in the classroom, such aspreferential seating and extended time for tests

Interventions, such as 1: 1 instruction outside theclassroom


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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 andthe short and long term effects of LD in a persons life

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


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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


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Tips for parents:

Most of all

Accept your child for who they are

Dont blame your child for their learning differences. It isnot their fault

Let your child be involved. Listen to your child. Be awareof his/her feelings

Your childs self-esteem is very important. Help your childto have a healthy self-esteem


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Questions:

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