Specific Learning Disabilities by Emily

Definition - Specific learning disabilities are disorders 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
• mathematical calculations

including conditions such as:

• perceptual disabilities
• brain injury
• minimal brain dysfunction
• dyslexia
• developmental aphasia

*NOTE: Specific learning disorders do not include learning problems that are primarily the result of:

• visual, hearing, or motor disabilities
• mental retardation or IDD
• emotional disturbance
• environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage

Characteristics - Specific learning disabilities vary from person to person. Each one is like a rare snowflake because no two disorders are exactly the same. Each case varies in social, personal, and academics aspects where the students could be seen:

• having dyslexia
• having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• struggling in school work
  
• inability to follow directions

Those are just a few examples but not limited to how a students may act with a learning disability. Every case is different so no solid standards can be made for all cases.

Difference From Others - Students with specific learning disabilities develop their academic, personal and social skills at a slower pace. A student can be doing great in the way they present themselves and have loads of friends but they could struggle academically. Also some students have problems reading due to dyslexia because they are having problems reading which slows down their cognitive skills. Also students may have trouble concentrating due to built up energy from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Every learning disability is different, which means every student develops and grows at a different rate. They may develop one skill while another lacks but you can't set up standards or present how a child is different because all cases are different which makes each one unique.

Assistive Technologies & Education Plans - One way to evaluate how a learning disability effects a student's ability to take in, think about, and share things that he or she is learning by using the "Information-Processing Model." This model allows teachers to evaluate each student and then take that information and develop a curriculum course that would benefit the students most. Also multiple games, computers, movies, and other technologies can help give a new perspective on a topic to try and get through to students who don't learn with normal activities, notes, and lecture. Also changing around the location and environment around the students will help to keep students minds interested and not complaisant.


(This is an example of a computer game to teach math skills.)











(This Leapfrog technology help children learn how to read)










Community Programs - Community programs such as SABAH (Skating Athletes Bold At Heart) and the Special Olympics allow students with hyperactivity to release their built up energy in a way that is beneficial to them. With the built up energy gone, the students can focus their minds on the academics in front of them. Also working with volunteers and other students in the programs, their social skills will expand allowing them to care his or her self with a higher confidence. Also there are multiple summer camps and youth centers in every community that helps students who need extra help get it in a way that's fun and entertaining.


Kirk S. , Gallagher J.J. , Coleman M.R. , & Anastasiow N. (2009). Educating Exceptional Children (12th ed. , pp. 107-143). Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.