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LEARNING DISABILITIES
A learning disability is neurological
in origin, and affects the way that the brain
processes information. Areas of specific difficulty
can show up in spoken and written language,
coordination, and attention. Because a child
may encounter difficulty in learning to read,
write, or complete math problems, schoolwork
is often affected. Since each child is unique,
it is typical to see different profiles of Learning
Disabilities. While some children may be strong
in some areas, they may have significant difficulty
in others.
Learning Disabilities are frequently categorized
by the nature of the processing difficulty Sometimes
a learning disability relates to how information
is getting to the brain. These types of disorders
are commonly referred to "Input”
problems, and include Auditory Perception (see
information in this site under Auditory Processing
Disorders and Receptive Language). A child can
also demonstrate difficulty with Visual Perception.
Children with this type of problem may have
difficulty with perceiving objects in space
with reference to other objects. They may misjudge
depth or distance, bump into things, or show
signs of incoordination. Some children have
difficulty with discriminating and recognizing
common objects and symbols, or may have problems
with blending information from both eyes.
After the brain receives input, the information
must be integrated by sequencing it, understanding
it beyond its literal interpretation, and effectively
organizing that information. The child then
must be able to remember the information. "Working
memory” allows the child to hold on to
individual bits of information until they can
be blended into a more complete thought or concept.
"Short term memory” allows the child
to store the information for a limited amount
of time, and "Long term memory”
over a longer period of time.
Last, the information a child has can be relayed
by various means. A child might demonstrate
difficulty with communicating information through
words (see this site for expressive language
disorder). He may also have difficulty in using
his muscles in a coordinated way, which can
affect writing, drawing, cutting, running, or
jumping.
Speech and Language Pathologists are the key
players in identifying a Language- based Learning
Disability. Because of the complex nature of
Learning Disabilities, it may be necessary for
a child to see additional specialists who are
experts in the areas of Visual Perception and
Processing, Memory and organization, and Motor
Disorders.
Links:
www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Language-Based-Learning-Disabilities.htm
(American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association
link on Language-based Learning Disability)
www.ldonline.org (L.D.
Online)
www.ldanatl.org
(Learning Disabilities Association of America
LDA ) |
