Learning Disability

Learning Disability

Difficulties with reading, writing and/ or math are recognizable problems during the school ages, the signs and symptoms of learning disabilities are most often diagnosed during that time. Learning disabilities are referred to as “hidden disabilities”. The person looks perfectly “normal” and seems to be a very bright and intelligent person, yet may be unable to demonstrate the skill level expected from someone of a similar age. Children with learning disabilities are as smart as or smarter than their peers.

Definition

Learning disabilities are disorders that affects one’s ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations or direct attention.

Causes

The causes for learning disabilities are not well understood, and sometimes there is no apparent cause for a learning disability. However, some causes of neurological impairments include:

·  Heredity and genetics: Learning disabilities often run in the family.

·  Problems during pregnancy and birth: Malnutrition Anomalies in the developing brain, illness or injury, fetal exposure to alcohol or drugs.

·  Accidents after birth: Head injuries, Malnutrition, Toxic exposure to heavy metals

Characteristics of Learning Disability:

·  Slow reading rate

·  Difficulty in recalling

·  Difficulty in finding

·  Confusion

·  Problems with reasonings

Types of Learning Disabilities

A. Dyscalculia

This is a type of learning disability, where the children have difficulty in math fact. They have poor understanding of math symbols, numbers and feel difficulty in counting the numbers.

Management: Allow use of fingers, use diagrams and provide peer assistance. Also use mnemonic devices and schedule time for practice.

B. Dysgraphia

Type of learning disability that affects children handwriting ability and fine motor activity. It may be illegible handwriting, spelling mistakes, spatial problem in paper.

Management

·  Conduct oral exams. Provide notes to decrease writing.

·  Allow to use ruled paper and graph paper.

C. Dyslexia

learning disability that affects reading and related skill. This also known aslanguage based learning disability. It may affect fluency, recall, writing, spelling and sometimes speech.

The student may read slowly, trouble in spelling, cannot exhibit recalling words. May feel difficulty in handwriting.

Treatment:

·  Intensive teaching techniques

·  Improve both spoken and written language skills

·  Classroom modification

Management

Provide calm area for study. Provide copy of notes, small unit of lessons, large print books. Do not count the spelling in tests.

Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

It is defined as trouble in interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expression and body language.

Management: rehearse getting from place to place.

Orally point out the difference, connection on resemblance.

Assessment

Many normed assess­ments can be used in evaluating skills in the primary academic domains: it includes;

• Word recognition, fluency, and comprehension;

Mathematics, including computation and problem solving;

Written expression, including handwriting, spelling and composition.

The purpose of assessment is

·  to determine what is needed for intervention,

·  which also requires consideration of contextual variables and

·  whether there are comorbid disorders that must also be identified and treated,

such as behavioral issues or language

Attention Deficit ­Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder is otherwise known as Hyperkinetic disorder. The syndrome was first described by Heinrich Hoff in 1854.

Definition

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is a Neuro behavioral developmental disorder characterized by inattentiveness, over activity, easily distractable and impulsiveness. The child responds to multiple stimuli at same time.

Epidemiology

ADHD is most commonly studied and diagnosed in, primary school children 1.7%, school aged children 3 %– 5%.

The ratio of boys and girls ranges from 2: 1.

Risk Factors for ADHD

·  Drug exposure of baby during pregnancy

·  Birth complications

·  Low birth weight

·  Lead poisoning

Causes for ADHD:

Biological causes:

·  Genetic: biological parents of ADHD.

·  Bio chemical: alterations in dopamine and nor – epinephrine.

·  Anatomical causes: Alteration in the regions of frontal lobes, basal ganglia, and cerebellum in brain

Psychosocial Causes

·  Family dysfunction

·  Stressful events

·  Emotional deprivation

·  Paternal criminality

·  Low socio economic status and poverty

Perinatal Causes

·  Alcohol and tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy.

·  Head injuries.

·  Infections during pregnancy, at birth and early childhood.

·  Prolonged labour

·  Perinatal asphyxia

·  Postnatal infections, CNS abnormalities due to trauma

Environmental Causes

Environmental lead. Elevated body levels of lead affects the cognitive and behavioural development in children. Food dyes and additives (colouring preservatives), artificial flavours.

Clinical Features

·  Sensitive to stimuli

·  Easily upset by noise, light and environmental changes

·  Short attention span, easily distractible,

·  Failure to finish works

·  Poor learning capacity and memory.

Types of ADHD

Diagnosis

·  A detailed history about pre natal and developmental history

·  Teachers school report and parents report

·  Child guidance clinic and complete psychiatric evaluation with psychologist

·  Medical examination for neurological examination, hearing and vision.

Treatment

·  Medications

·  Therapies

·  Behaviour modification therapy

·  Family education

·  Social skill training

·  Attention training

·  Visual training

·  One to one talking

ADHD in Classroom

·  Reduce seating distractions

·  Supervision

·  Give positive reinforcement

Homework folder for parents