Learning Disabilities Essay -- Disabilities Education Mental Health Es

Learning Disabilities This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning about anddiscussing how we can trounce assist exceptional students. Many of thesestudents are individuals with learning dissabilities. Although it would bedifficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms,weaknesses and strengths of every dis capacity, it can be very stabilizing to havea general knowledge of the disabilities that may hinder a students ability tolearn. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learning hinderance (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does notdisfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to be understandingor hug drug support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),1999). Therefore asteachers it will be our responsibility to provide that understanding andsupport for those children already diagnosed and also be alert to the exemplificationsigns that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describeslearning disabilities as follows LD is a disorder that effects peoples ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways. As specificdifficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control,or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can impedelearning to read or write or to do math. Learning disability can be lifelong conditions that, in some cases,affect many parts of a persons life school or work, daily routines, familylife, and sometimes even friendships. In some people, many overlappinglearning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a singleisolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of theirlives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It isimportant to remember that the term learning disability does not apply tost udents who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visualor hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, ordisadvantaged cod to their environment, culture or economic background (USDepartment of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes a LD is only the beginning. Diagnosing andtreating a learning disability is not... ...American psychiatric Association (APA 1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th edition). Washington DC Author.Council for Exceptional Children Division of Learning Disabilities. (1999). Council for Exceptional Children homepage. On line. open http//www.cec.sped.org/home.htm Council for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Council for Learning Disabilities homepage. On line. for sale http/ www. coe.winthrop. edu/cldLearning Disabilities Association on America. (1998). Learning Disabilities Association on America homepage. Online. Available http//www.ldanatl.orgNational Center for Learning Disabili ties. (1999). National Center for Learning Disabilities homepage. Online. Available http//www.ncld.orgNational Institute of Mental Health. (1999). National Institute of Mental Health homepage. Online. Available http//www.nimh.nih.gov/home.htmThe International Dyslexia Association. (1999). The International Dyslexia Association homepage. Online. Available http.interdys.orgU. S. Department of Education. (1999). Individuals with Disabilities Education number homepage. Online. Available http//www.ed.gov/