What is LD?
Index
- Introduction
- Symptoms
- What Individuals with LD Need
- What Parents and Individuals with LD Need to be Informed
- Additional Information
- Links & Resources
Introduction to Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities (LD) are hidden disabilities that affect many individuals who usually have average or above average intelligence, but are unable to achieve at their potential. People from all economic and social levels may have unique learning differences. Estimates of the percentage of the school-age population who have specific learning disabilities as defined by the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1975 range from 5% to 20%. U.S.C. 1412: Section 1401 (a) (15) states:
in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations. The term includes such conditions as perceptual handicaps, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. The term does not include children who have learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps, of mental retardation, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage." Individuals with learning disabilities can learn, but they learn differently. They need to be taught in a way that makes it possible for them to use their abilities to compensate for their weaknesses.Specific learning disability
means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved
Each individual with learning disabilities has a different combination and severity of problems. Specific learning disabilities are disorders in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, or affecting the ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do math.
For many, undetected learning disabilities create a lifelong pattern of frustration and failure. Unable to learn to read or write adequately or to handle simple numerical calculations, they are forced into a lifetime of underemployment or unemployment.
One of the serious consequences of learning disabilities is that young people who suffer from them do poorly in school unless they are helped. They tend to drop out of school and may fall into a range of antisocial behaviors. Independent studies show that adolescents with learning disabilities are more than twice as likely to wind up in juvenile courts as are their peers who do not have them. Research shows that about 40% of all juvenile offenders have learning disabilities and that most have never received any help for their disabilities.
Other possible outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities who have not received appropriate intervention or help are low self image, teenage pregnancy, suicide, family instability, substance abuse, depression, significant psychiatric problems, and unemployment. They may end up on welfare, homeless, or in prison.
There is no known "cure" for learning disabilities . . . not in the sense of eliminating the disorder. Children with learning disabilities become adults with learning disabilities. With the proper testing and evaluations, every child's learning disabilities can be diagnosed and an individual education plan devised so she/he can learn. Individuals with learning disabilities can be taught to compensate and overcome their learning problems. They can lead happy, productive lives. Some have been, or are, famous people:
- Hans Christian Andersen
- Cher
- Sir Winston Churchill
- Thomas Edison
- Albert Einstein
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Nelson Rockefeller
- Charles Schwab
- Robin Williams
Authorities agree that many individuals with learning disabilities are at risk of failure in school and in life unless their learning disabilities are diagnosed early and remediated correctly. Parents and professionals working together can help individuals with learning disabilities lessen many of life's frustrations and failures.
Symptons of Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are often referred to as "hidden handicaps" as they are difficult to identify. The kinds and severity of problems vary from individual to individual. Each individual with a learning disability shows a unique combination of problems. Individuals with learning disabilities may do well in some areas, but very poorly in others. They may learn what is seen, but not what is heard; they may remember by writing, but not by reciting orally; or vice versa. Below are listed some signs that may indicate learning disabilities:
- inconsistent school performance
- difficulty remembering today what was learned yesterday, but may know it tomorrow
- short attention span (restless, easily distracted)
- letter and number reversals (sees "b" for "d" or "p", "6" for "9", "pots" for "stop" or "post")
- poor reading (below age and grade level)
- frequent confusion about directions and time (right-left, up-down, yesterday-tomorrow)
- personal disorganization (difficulty in following simple directions/schedules; has trouble organizing, planning, and making best use of time; frequent loss or misplacement of homework, schoolbooks, or other items)
- impulsive and/or inappropriate behavior (poor judgment in social situations, talks and acts before thinking)
- failure on written tests but high scores on oral exams (or vice versa)
- speech problems (immature language development, trouble expressing ideas, poor word recall)
- difficulty understanding and following instructions unless they are broken down to one or two tasks at a time
- seems immature and has difficulty making friends
- trouble remembering what someone just told him or her
- poor coordination (in gross motor activities such as walking or sports and/or in fine motor activities such as tying a shoelace, holding a pencil, or handwriting - inconsistent, slow, messy, or illegible)
- difficulty interpreting body language, facial expression, or tone of voice
- difficulty with development of sound/symbol correspondence
Some of these problems can be found in all children at certain stages of development. When a child has a cluster of symptoms which do not disappear as she/he gets older, you might suspect learning disabilities.
What Individuals with LD Need
Individuals with learning disabilities need:
- to be identified as early as possible;
- to have a comprehensive assessment;
- to have an education individualized to their needs;
- to have qualified and knowledgeable educators who teach to the unique needs of students with learning disabilities;
- to have modified curriculum and accommodations;
- to pursue activities in areas where they have strengths or interests;
- to advocate for themselves at any age;
- to have vocational education and career training;
- to develop abilities and skills for the transition to independent living; and
- to have an employer who will provide appropriate accommodations.
What Parents and Individuals with LD Need to be Informed
Parents and individuals with learning disabilities need to be informed:
- to meet the challenges of living with learning disabilities;
- to be knowledgeable about their children's or their own disabilities;
- to know the rights for individuals with learning disabilities provided by law;
- to advocate effectively for their children's needs or their own needs;
- to be acquainted with professionals in the field of learning disabilities;
- to become knowledgeable about different learning styles and work with school personnel to develop and enhance individual education plans for their children or themselves;
- to have their children and/or themselves included in decisions which will affect their lives; and
- to learn to accept and value their children's or their own uniqueness.