Learning
disabilities are often referred to as "hidden handicaps" as they are
difficult to identify. That is why we use the ghost to symbolize learning
disabilities at ACLD. The kinds of problems vary from individual to individual
as well as the severity of those problems. It is also not easy to diagnose some
learning disabilities because each individual shows a unique combination of
problems. For instance, Individuals with learning disabilities may do well in
some areas, but very poorly in others. Every individual has a different
learning style. One student may learn what is seen, but not what is heard;
another may remember by writing, but not by reciting orally; or vice
versa. Because of these differences, their learning style must be identified and
steps taken to utilize the kind of learning that best suits the individual.
Below are listed some signs that may indicate learning disabilities:
Inconsistent school performance
Difficulty remembering today what was
learned yesterday, but may know it tomorrow
Short attention span (restless, easily
distracted)
Letter and number reversals (sees
"b" for "d" or "p", "6" for
"9", "pots" for "stop" or "post")
Poor reading (below age and grade level)
Frequent confusion about directions and
time (right-left, up-down, yesterday-tomorrow)
Personal disorganization (difficulty in
following simple directions/schedules; has trouble organizing, planning, and
making best use of time; frequent loss or misplacement of homework,
schoolbooks, or other items)
Impulsive and/or inappropriate behavior
(poor judgment in social situations, talks and acts before thinking)
Failure on written tests but high scores
on oral exams (or vice versa)
Speech problems (immature language
development, trouble expressing ideas, poor word recall)
Difficulty understanding and following
instructions unless they are broken down to one or two tasks at a time
Seems immature and has difficulty making
friends
Trouble remembering what someone just
told him or her
Poor coordination (in gross motor
activities such as walking or sports and/or in fine motor activities such as
tying a shoelace, holding a pencil, or handwriting - inconsistent, slow, messy,
or illegible)
Difficulty interpreting body language,
facial expression, or tone of voice
Difficulty with development of
sound/symbol correspondence
Some of
these problems can be found in all children at certain stages of development.
When a child has a cluster of symptoms, which do not disappear as she/he gets
older, you might suspect learning disabilities.
A Look At Learning Disabilities in Children
and Youth, by Larry B. Silver, M.D. reprinted from LDAMC, Inc. November
1991 Newsletter
http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/general_info/silver_have_ld.html
