Learning Disabilities Essay -- Disabilities Education Mental Health Es

Learning Disabilities This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning about and discussing how we can best assist exceptional students. Many of these students are individuals with learning dissabilities. Although it would be difficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms, weaknesses and strengths of every disability, it can be very helpful to have a general knowledge of the disabilities that may hinder a students ability to learn. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learning disability (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does not disfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to be understanding or offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),1999). Therefore as teachers it will be our responsibility to provide that understanding and support for those children already diagnosed and also be alert to the warning signs that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describes learning disabilities as follows: LD is a disorder that effects peoples ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways. As specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can impede learning to read or write or to do math. Learning disability can be lifelong conditions that, in some cases, affect many parts of a persons life: school or work, daily routines, family life, and sometimes even friendships. In some people, many overlapping learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a single isolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of their lives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It is important to remember that the term learning disability does not apply to students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual or hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, or disadvantaged due to their environment, culture or economic background (US Department of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes a LD is only the beginning. Diagnosing and treating a learning disability is not... ... American Psychiatric Association (APA: 1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th edition). Washington DC: Author. Council for Exceptional Children: Division of Learning Disabilities. (1999). Council for Exceptional Children homepage. [On line]. Available: http://www.cec.sped.org/home.htm Council for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Council for Learning Disabilities homepage. [On line]. Available: http:/ www. coe.winthrop. edu/cld Learning Disabilities Association on America. (1998). Learning Disabilities Association on America homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ldanatl.org National Center for Learning Disabilities. (1999). National Center for Learning Disabilities homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ncld.org National Institute of Mental Health. (1999). National Institute of Mental Health homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/home.htm The International Dyslexia Association. (1999). The International Dyslexia Association homepage. [Online]. Available: http.interdys.org U. S. Department of Education. (1999). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ed.gov/