Learning disabilities

It is a very common phenomena to observe the kids with reading disabilities reading "b" and "d" and getting confused with "p" "q" ,"I","l", "5","9" "6" etc.. Most often this condition is used as a characteristic to identify children with dyslexia. Though it might be useful for identifying kids with disabilities, it cannot be the whole and sole reason.Morevoer; there is a general misconception that children who write the numbers and letters in a reverse way also perceive them reversely. However this is not true. It is more related to developmentally appropriate writing.

While developing reading and writing skills, it is essential to have certain pre-learning skills. These include, identifying the left and the right hand side of the book, the front and the bottom, reading from left to right, identifying shapes and sizes etc.. During the early childhood days the spatial orientation is also developed when the child learns to identify that three objects whether in any condition represent three.

During the same time, the numbers and alphabets are introduced to them wherein they try to identify and generalize them. In fact during the first grade and early s3eond most of them get confused with b and d. Both are the same figures with different spatial orientation. However, as time passes by, most of them grow of it and learn how to use them more appropriately. However, it is not the same in case of children with Learning disabilities. They continue to have problems with the orientation of numbers and letters and thus have problems perceiving them in the right way. It takes some time to understand that a specific orientation of "d" is "b" while 6 is different from 9.

Dyscalculia is a learning disability characterized by poor understanding of the number concept and the number system. Problems of mathematics, underachievement is greatest for students with mild disabilities and those at risk for mathematics failure.Students with disabilities experience considerable difficulty with problem representation or identifying relevant information along with difficulties in reading comprehension and identifying operations.

Dyscalculia is of two types; developmental dyscalculia is associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities while acquired dyscalculia is a result of overt brain injury.Both are a result of deficits in processing of numerical and arithmetical information.

As Learning Disability is a life long condition, the best way to approach is throguh effective research based intervention.Special Education plays an important role in remediating the deficits.There is a necessity to build a strong foundation for basic concepts in math. Once the concepts are very deeply ingrained, it becomes easier to teach computation.
Systematic Practice in discriminating among related problem types; separation of confusing elements and terminology; use of wide range of examples to illustrate each conceptare highly recommended for effective results.
Providing a wider range of examples clearer step by step strategies, and discrimination practice can augment the effectiveness of any mathematics curriculum.

For students who have learned the basic mathematical skills but cannot apply them successfully when solving mathematical problems, cognitive strategy instruction should be a part of their curriculum. Additionally if we expect students to generalize the strategies they have learned, they must become actively involved in the learning process by participating in goal setting and evaluating their performance.

Dyslexia, Dyclaculia, Dysgraphia.... all sound like a jargon. Well, sometimes it is even hard to say those terms. However, these are the modified terms given for specific learning disabilities.
Learning disability is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction and may occur across life span. Problems of social regulatory behaviors, social perception, and social interaction may exist in learning disabilities but do not by themselves constitute a learning disability. Although learning disabilities may occur, concomitantly with other handicapping conditions (for example, sensory impairment, mental retardation, serious emotional disturbance) or with extrinsic influences (such as cultural differences, insufficient or inappropriate instruction), they are not the result of those conditions or influences. (National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities, 1988).

While dyslexia is related to related to reading difficulties,dyscalulica is related to arithmatical difficulties and dysgraphia to writing difficulties. Moreover depending on the specific disabilities there are different terms used.
I will be discussing each term in detail in the coming blogs.

Now a days there is a lot of discussion and emphasis on research in the field of learning disabilities. The number of them identified with disabilities ,especially learning disabilities is growing drastically. This might be due to the lack of proper assessment tools or many other reasons.In this particular blog I will be sharing my thoughts and concerns about learning disabilities. There will also be information on the various types of disabilities, some interesting facts about disabilities and about places, events and people associated with this field.