What do we know about learning disabilities (Special learning disabilities)

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Good morning to all! This is another post concerning my job, for those who don't know it I am a special education teacher. Today we will talk a bit about Learning Disabilities. My aim is just to introduce you in some of the basic terms of my job. I don't want to get into long and boring details. 

What are Learning Disabilities?  

The definitions of Learning Disabilities (LB) are many and different, but unfortunately there is no internationally accepted positive-etiological definition. All definitions have their exclusion criteria as a common element. That is, due to lack of proper scientific knowledge, we exclude all possible causes that we know could cause the General Learning Disabilities and if these causes do not explain them, then and taking into account the psycho-educational performance of the child in relation to the expected for his class and age, comes the diagnosis of Special Learning Disabilities. 

The definition of LB of the National Joint Committee of Learning Disabilities (1988) is as follows:  

"Learning Disabilities is a generalized term describing a large group of polymorphic difficulties that are manifested by a wide range of language processes and refers to the function and learning of speech, reading, writing, comprehension, and mathematics. These problems are intrinsic to the individual, are thought to exist due to dysfunction of the central nervous system and may be manifested throughout life. Together with Learning Disabilities, problems of self-regulation of behavior, social perception and social interaction may exist, but these do not in themselves identify a Learning Disability. Also learning disabilities can be observed simultaneously with other problems (e.g. functional weakness, mental retardation, severe emotional disturbance) or exogenous influences (cultural differences, deficient language environment, inefficient  or improper education), but it is not the result of these conditions or influences".

In no case,  LΒ should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps; of mental retardation; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantages.  

Specific Learning Disabilities

They are categorized as you can see below:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
• Dyscalculia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyslexia
• Language Processing Disorder
• Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
• Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

Source: lectures from the Faculty of Special Education (University of Thessaly), Learning Disabilities, my blog specialeductn

 

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