Students with Learning Disabilities

Medical Aspects

Neurology and Learning Disabilities

• All learning occurs in the brain facilitated by the nervous system

• Theory that minimal disorders or abnormalities in the nervous system result in learning problems

• Neurology is the medical specialty that focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system

Central Nervous System

• Basic unit is nerve cell or neuron

• Each neuron has cell body, axon, and dendrites

• Nerve impulses are conducted from one nerve cell to another across the synapse through the action of chemicals called neurotransmitters

The Brain

• Three major parts– Brain stem

• Oldest, most primitive part of the brain

– Cerebellum• Receives and integrates sensory input to

coordinate voluntary muscle system

– Cerebrum• Largest part, controls conscious functioning of the

nervous system

The Brain Stem

• Medulla oblongata– Coordinates heart and respiration rates and other

reflexive, life-sustaining operations• Pons

– Associated with sensory input and motor outflow to the face

• Midbrain– Controls eye movement, state of brain wakefulness

and possibly attention• Diencephalon

– Relay between brain stem and rest of brain, integrates all sensory systems except smell

Cerebrum

• Right and left hemisphere connected by the corpus callosum

• Each hemisphere has four major regions: temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital lobes

• Surface of lobes is the cerebral cortex

• Hemispheres appear to function cross laterally

Neurodiagnostic Technology

• EEG

• BEAM

• CAT

• PET

• MRI

Etiological Perspectives

• Acquired Trauma– Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal

• Genetic/Hereditary Influences– Chromosomal abnormalities, twin studies

• Environmental Influences– Exposure to substances

• Biochemical Abnormalities– Imbalance in production of neurotransmitters

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• DSM-IV diagnosis• Suspected biochemical etiology, other theories

emerging• Most common psychiatric syndrome in children• Overall population prevalence low, extremely

high among children with learning disabilities• ADHD as Other Health Impairment under IDEA

Approaches to Treatment

• Stimulant medication

• Behavior management

• Content mastery classes

• Cooperative learning

• Peer tutoring

• Home-school coordination

• Specialized instruction

Pediatric Neurologist and Neurological Exam

• Standard neurological exam includes:– Medical history– Current health status– Examination of cranial nerves– Test of body sensation– Motor skill assessment– Evaluation of deep tendon reflexes– Assessment of higher processes

Hearing

• Sense of hearing is crucial for learning and language development

• Otologist– Medical doctor specializing in care and

prevention of damage to ear

• Audiologist– Non-medical specialist who assesses extent

of hearing loss and appropriate prosthetic devices

Vision

• Classroom tasks rely heavily on eyesight

• Ophthalmologist– Medical doctor specializing in care and cure

of diseases related to the eye

• Optometrist– Can prescribe lenses and treat functional

aspects of vision