What is a learning disability Having trouble Processing

What is a learning disability? Having trouble: ØProcessing information ØOrganizing information ØApplying information

Types of Learning Disabilities Ø Dyslexia A language and reading disability Ø Dyscalculia Problems with arithmetic and math concepts Ø Dysgraphia A writing disorder resulting in illegibility Ø Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder) Problems with motor coordination Ø Central Auditory Processing Disorder Difficulty processing and remembering language-related tasks Ø Non-Verbal Learning Disorders Trouble with nonverbal cues, e. g. , body language; poor coordination, clumsy Ø Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Reverses letters; cannot copy accurately; Ø Language Disorders (Aphasia/Dysphasia) Trouble understanding spoken language; poor reading comprehension

Causes or Presumed causes of Learning Disabilities Ø NO real causes Ø Might be caused by: ØHereditary ØTeratogenic ØMedical ØEnvironmental

Does my student have ADD or ADHD? Ø Hyperactive Ø Impulsive Ø Fidgety Ø Inattentive Ø Disorganized Ø Unreasonable emotional negativity Ø Emotional outbursts Ø Frustration over minor issues Ø Bedwetting Ø (All characteristics may vary with age)

Approaches to diagnose ADD and ADHD Ø Evaluate student’s behavior Ø Continuous performance test (CPT) Ø Diagnosis should be based on multiple pieces of information and observations

Approaches used to diagnose dyslexia Ø Today, only after a student has reading difficulties can dyslexia be diagnosed Ø Dyslexia may have “biological roots” Ø Psychological testing can determine if a child has dyslexia

Characteristics of Learning Disabilities Ø Ø Ø How will I know if my student has a LD? Most students exhibit uneven areas of ability Student is physically “normal” Average or above average intelligence Commonly found in gen ed classes: dyslexia and ADD/ADHD Many LDs need to be medically diagnosed

Does my student have dyslexia? Ø Reading characteristics Ø Writing characteristics Ø Numbers/Sequencing

Celebrities with dyslexia • Tom Cruise • Henry “The Fonz” Winkler • Walt Disney • Magic Johnson