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| 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: "'Specific learning disability' means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved" 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.
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:
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 remedied correctly. Parents and professionals working together can help individuals with learning disabilities lessen many of life's frustrations and failures. |
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| Source: Learning Disabilities Association of California | |
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