Learning Disabilities

What is a learning disability?

• Professionals are unable to agree on one specific definition of a learning disability or LD. What experts do agree on is that this group does not learn for a variety of reasons.

• Many believe that children with LD have a neurological disorder that results in problems in storing, processing, and producing information in the central nervous system, thus causing a deficit in understanding spoken or written words.

• Individuals with LD often have an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, calculate mathematical equations, or motor plan. Let’s break it down into simple terms…

The IDEA defines a learning disability as…

“Specific learning disability” means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes 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. The term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. The term does not apply to children who have a learning problem that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; of mental retardation; or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.”

Characteristics of LD

• Difficulty learning new skills, relying on memorization

• Trouble learning about time

• Difficulty remembering facts

• Confusing basic words (dog, cat, run)

• Poor coordination, 'accident prone', unaware of physical

surroundings • Having a hard time learning the connection between letters and

sounds (Phonetics) • Spelling and reading errors such as substitutions (house/home),

letter reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w) and transpositions (felt/left)

• Problems with planning

• Impulsive behavior

• Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs

Five common learning disabilities include…

• Dyslexia

• Dyscalculia

• Dysgraphia

• Visual Processing Disorders, and

• Non-verbal learning disabilities.

Dyslexia• A language-based learning disability• Involves a cluster of symptoms resulting in difficulty with specific

language skills, particularly reading. • The core difficulty is with word recognition and reading fluency,

spelling, and writing.

• Dyslexia is diagnosed in people of all levels of intelligence.

• There are no known causes of dyslexia.• Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or

therapist specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach.

Dyslexia Empathy Activity

You will be given exactly one minute to read the paragraph on the following slide. You will then be given two minutes to answer questions relating to the excerpt.

Ready…

Answer the following questions on a blank sheet of paper. You will have 2 minutes to complete the following questions.

1. What did Bob suggest to do for the day?

2. What were Bob and John searching for in the cupboard?

3. What was the brand?

4. How did they cook it?

DyslexiaTips to help individuals with dyslexia:

• A student with dyslexia can be given extra time to complete

tasks, help with taking notes, and work assignments that are

modified appropriately.

• Teachers can give taped tests or allow dyslexic students to use

alternative means of assessment.

• Students can benefit from listening to books on tape, using text

reading computer programs, and from writing on computers.

Dyscalculia• Dyscalculia is a term referring to a wide range of lifelong

learning disabilities involving math.

• Some warning signs for dyscalculia include:

• Good at speaking, reading, and writing, but slow to develop counting and math problem-solving skills

• Good memory for printed words, but difficulty reading numbers, or recalling numbers in sequence

• Good with general math concepts, but frustrated when specific computation and organization skills need to be used

• Trouble with the concept of time-chronically late, difficulty remembering schedules, trouble with approximating how long something will take

• Poor sense of direction, easily disoriented and easily confused by changes in routine

• Poor long term memory of concepts-can do math functions one day, but is unable to repeat them the next day

• Poor mental math ability-trouble estimating grocery costs or counting days until vacation

• Difficulty playing strategy games like chess, bridge or role-playing video games

Dyscalculia Empathy Activity

Solve the following math problem. You will be given 2 minutes to complete this task.

One day, a person went to a horse racing area. Instead of counting the number of humans and horses, he instead counted 74 heads and 196 legs. How many humans and horses are there? (No one is missing any appendages or heads)

Dyscalculia

Tips to help individuals with dyscalculia:

• Use graph paper for students who have difficulty organizing ideas on paper.

• Work on finding different ways to approach math facts; i.e., instead of just memorizing the multiplication tables, explain that 8 x 2 = 16, so if 16 is doubled, 8 x 4 must = 32.

• Practice estimating as a way to begin solving math problems. • Introduce new skills beginning with concrete examples and later

moving to more abstract applications.• For language difficulties, explain ideas and problems clearly and

encourage students to ask questions as they work. • Provide a place to work with few distractions and have pencils,

erasers and other tools on hand as needed.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper.

Common signs of dysgraphia include: • Tight, awkward pencil grip and body position • Illegible handwriting • Avoiding writing or drawing tasks • Tiring quickly while writing • Saying words out loud while writing • Unfinished or omitted words in sentences • Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper • Difficulty with syntax structure and grammar • Large gap between written ideas and understanding

demonstrated through speech.

Dysgraphia Empathy Activity

On your paper, re-write the following statement using the pencil provided and your non-dominant hand. You will be given one minute to complete this task. Write neatly!!

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper.

Dysgraphia

Tips to help individuals with dysgraphia:

• Use paper with raised lines for a sensory guide to staying within the lines.

• Try different pens and pencils to find one that's most comfortable.

• Practice writing letters and numbers in the air with big arm movements to improve motor memory of these important shapes. Also practice letters and numbers with smaller hand or finger motions.

• Encourage proper grip, posture and paper positioning for writing. It's important to reinforce this early as it's difficult for students to unlearn bad habits later on.

• Be patient and positive, encourage practice and praise effort - becoming a good writer takes time and practice.

Visual Processing Disorders

A visual processing, or perceptual, disorder refers to a hindered ability to make sense of information taken in through the eyes. This is different from problems involving sight or sharpness of vision. Difficulties with visual processing affect how visual information is interpreted, or processed by the brain.

Some visual processing disorders include:

Visual discrimination• The ability to differentiate objects based on their individual

characteristics Visual Closure• The ability to identify or recognize a symbol or object when the

entire object is not visible Object recognition• The ability to consistently recognize letters, numbers, symbols,

words, or pictures

Visual Processing Disorder

For reading: • Enlarge print for books, paper, and worksheets.• Create a “window” using an index card which can be used to block

out peripheral material which can be distracting while reading.

For writing: • Use paper that structured (dark, bold lines)• Paper that is divided into large sections can be used for writing

math problems

Teaching Style• Try to avoid the student’s weakness

For example, if you write something on the board, verbalize what is being written

Non-verbal Learning Disabilities

A non-verbal learning disorder (NLD) is a neurological syndrome consisting of specific assets and deficits.  

The assets include:• Early speech and vocabulary development• Remarkable rote memory skills• Attention to detail• Early reading skills development• Excellent spelling skills  • Also, these individuals have the verbal ability to

express themselves eloquently.

There are four major categories of deficits and dysfunction that also present themselves with NLD:

• motoric (lack of coordination, severe balance problems, and difficulties with  graphomotor skills).

• visual-spatial-organizational (lack of image, poor visual recall, faulty spatial  perceptions, and problems with spatial relations).

• social (lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication, difficulties adjusting to transitions and novel situations, and deficits in social judgment and social interaction).

• sensory (sensitivity in any of the sensory modes: visual, auditory, tactile, taste or olfactory)

Other Types of learning disabilities

Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder): difficulties with motor coordination; fine motor skills

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAP): difficulties interpreting auditory information; a disorder where the information is taken in through the ears but is not accurately processed by the brain (the brain does not process what is actually heard/said)

Other Types of learning disabilities

- Dysnomia: Difficulty in using words; problems between storage in the brain and retrieval from the brain when words are required

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: difficulties with concentration and focus; impulsivity

Does my student have ADD or ADHD?

Hyperactive Impulsive Fidgety Inattentive Disorganized

Unreasonable emotional negativity Emotional outbursts Frustration over minor issues Bedwetting (All characteristics may vary with age)

Celebrities with ADD/ADHD

Ty Pennington

Ellen Degeneres

Robin Williams

Tracy Gold

Teaching Strategies

• Slow down instruction• Use eye contact to make sure student is engaged• Write rules and instructions on the board with bold

lettering• Have students reiterate instructions or rules of games• Modify equipment to fit the specific LD• Practice small games before playing on larger scale• Be visual – i.e. Use arrows for receiver patterns in

football unit• Provide many opportunities of differentiated

instruction• Have students model the skill being learned• Humor will lighten anyone’s anxiety• Have a student act out position in a game before hand• Peer partners can be effective • Maintain consistent class routines• Know your student and build rapport! • Be Patient!

Academic Intervention Ideas for Learning Disabilities

Causes of learning disabilities: New evidence seems to show that most

learning disabilities do not stem from a single, specific region of the brain, but from difficulties in bringing together information from various brain regions

Today, a leading theory is that learning disabilities stem from subtle disturbances in brain structures and functions. Some scientists believe, that, in many cases, the disturbance begins before birth

Learning disabilities may be due to:

Heredity – often learning disabilities run in the family, so it’s not uncommon to find that people with LD have parents or other relatives with similar difficulties – recent research has found a gene linked to dyslexia

Problems during pregnancy and birth – LD may be caused by illness or injury during or before birth. It may also be caused by drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, low birth weight, lack of oxygen and premature or prolonged labor

Incidents after birth – head injuries, nutritional deprivation and exposure to toxic substances (i.e. lead) can contribute to LD

Learning disabilities are not caused by:

Economic disadvantage

Environmental factors

Cultural or differences

Poor parenting

Learning Disabilities: Facts and Statistics

• Approximately 5% of all students in the public schools have a LD• 2.8 million students are currently receiving special education services for

learning disabilities in the United States • LD is the most common disability present today (80% of all disabilities are

LDs)• ADD/ADHD is not technically a LD, however, these disabilities can coexist• 28% of students with a LD drop out of High School

Children without learning disabilities performed at a higher level of efficiency as follows:

• balance (147.7%)• strength (102.9%)• upper limb speed and dexterity (81.4%)• visual-motor control (36.4%)• bilateral coordination (35.2%)• upper limb coordination (34.6%)• running speed and agility (33.3%)• response speed (23.8%).

INTERESTING TIDBITS

POTPOURRI Because many people with dyslexia are right-

brained thinkers, they may be more artistic and creative, becoming poets, actors, inventors, and artists.

Children with dyslexia use “almost five times as much brain area as other children while doing a simple language task” (Silverstein et al., 2001, p. 22).

“In the past, doctors…tried to prevent [children with disabilities] from being born; they…also…tried to stop some [people with disabilities] from having children of their own” (Flynn, 1998, p. 11).

INTERESTING TIDBITS

EMOTIONAL ISSUES Students with learning disabilities may suffer

from emotional problems/depression, and/or low self-esteem. This may cause students to withdraw from social interaction. These same students may turn to drugs or

alcohol for relief from feelings of low self-worth.

As many as 35% of students with learning disorders,

drop out of High School (Girod, 2001, p. 31). “Teenagers with dyslexia …[are] more likely

to…think about and to attempt suicide than other young people

their age” (Landau, 2004, pp. 48-9).

It is important to note the following…

• Most children have difficulty in some areas (i.e. reading, writing, speaking) at one time or another. Only when these difficulties occur in more than one setting, persist over an extended time, and interfere with learning do they need special attention.

• A key feature of a learning disability is that an educationally

significant discrepancy exists between estimated intellectual potential and actual academic achievement. This discrepancy is referred to as “Unexpected underachievement”

• A learning disability cannot be caused by cultural differences, lack of educational opportunities, poverty, or other such conditions.

• Learning disabilities can coexist with other conditions such as ADHD

• The majority of individuals with LD possess normal intelligence, however, their academic performance lags behind their peers.

• Individuals with LD have difficulty learning in traditional ways.

Resources

Graham, G, Holt/Hale, S, & Parker, M (2007). Children Moving: A Reflective Approach to Teaching Physical Education. New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Grosshans, J, & Kiger, M (2004). Identifying and Teaching Students with Learning DIsabilities in a Genaral Physical Education. JOPERD. 75, 18-21. LD Basics. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from The World's Leading Website on Learning Disabilities and ADHD Web site: http://ldonline.org/ldbasics  Ormond, Jeanne Ellis (2006). Educational Psychology: Developing Learners. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.  Santrock, John W. (2007). A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.  Winnick, Joseph P. (2005). Adapted Physical Education and Sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.  Wright, Jim Academic Intervention Ideas That Any Teacher Can Use. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from Intervention Central Web site: http://www.interventioncentral.org/

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