Learning Disabilities


Book Description

Learning disabilities are conditions that are associated with difficulties in knowledge and skill acquisition to the level expected of same-age peers. The current book is an international examination of assessment methods, preventative measures, intervention, and research with those individuals with learning disabilities obtained from authors in the United States of America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.




Handbook of Learning Disabilities, First Edition


Book Description

This comprehensive handbook reviews the major theoretical, methodological, and instructional advances that have occurred in the field of learning disabilities over the last 20 years. With contributions from leading researchers, the volume synthesizes a vast body of knowledge on the nature of learning disabilities, their relationship to basic psychological and brain processes, and how students with these difficulties can best be identified and treated. Findings are reviewed on ways to support student performance in specific skill areas--including language arts, math, science, and social studies--as well as general principles of effective instruction that cut across academic domains.




Subtypes of Learning Disabilities


Book Description

Although experts agree that various types of learning disabilities do exist, few attempts have been made to classify learning disabled children into subtypes. The editors of this collection feel that the lack of subcategorization has frustrated previous research efforts to obtain a generalizable body of knowledge in the field. To meet this critical need for definitive information, this book presents basic reviews and theoretical approaches used to subtype learning disabled children -- ranging from a behavior genetics approach to a dimensional approach. It also demonstrates actual research methods utilizing theoretical approaches.




Learning disabilities screening and evaluation guide for low- and middle-income countries


Book Description

Learning disabilities are among the most common disabilities experienced in childhood and adulthood. Although identifying learning disabilities in a school setting is a complex process, it is particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries that lack the appropriate resources, tools, and supports. This guide provides an introduction to learning disabilities and describes the processes and practices that are necessary for the identification process. It also describes a phased approach that countries can use to assess their current screening and evaluation services, as well as determine the steps needed to develop, strengthen, and build systems that support students with learning disabilities. This guide also provides intervention recommendations that teachers and school administrators can implement at each phase of system development. Although this guide primarily addresses learning disabilities, the practices, processes, and systems described may be also used to improve the identification of other disabilities commonly encountered in schools.




Rethinking Learning Disabilities


Book Description

Experts have yet to reach consensus about what a learning disability is, how to determine if a child has one, and what to do about it. Leading researcher and clinician Deborah Waber offers an alternative to the prevailing view of learning disability as a problem contained within the child. Instead, she shows how learning difficulties are best understood as a function of the developmental interaction between the child and the world. Integrating findings from education, developmental psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, she offers a novel approach with direct practical implications. Detailed real-world case studies illustrate how this approach can promote positive outcomes for children who struggle in school.




Mental Disorders and Disabilities Among Low-Income Children


Book Description

Children living in poverty are more likely to have mental health problems, and their conditions are more likely to be severe. Of the approximately 1.3 million children who were recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits in 2013, about 50% were disabled primarily due to a mental disorder. An increase in the number of children who are recipients of SSI benefits due to mental disorders has been observed through several decades of the program beginning in 1985 and continuing through 2010. Nevertheless, less than 1% of children in the United States are recipients of SSI disability benefits for a mental disorder. At the request of the Social Security Administration, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children compares national trends in the number of children with mental disorders with the trends in the number of children receiving benefits from the SSI program, and describes the possible factors that may contribute to any differences between the two groups. This report provides an overview of the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and the levels of impairment in the U.S. population under age 18. The report focuses on 6 mental disorders, chosen due to their prevalence and the severity of disability attributed to those disorders within the SSI disability program: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. While this report is not a comprehensive discussion of these disorders, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children provides the best currently available information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations for the disorder time course - both the natural course and under treatment.




Identification of Learning Disabilities


Book Description

Identification of Learning Disabilities: Research to Practice is the remarkable product of a learning disabilities summit conference convened by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in August 2001 and the activities following that summit. Both the conference and this book were seen as important preludes to congressional reauthorization of the historic Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) scheduled for 2002 and subsequent decision making surrounding implementation. The OSEP conference brought together people with different perspectives on LD (parents, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers) and resulted in this book, which examines the research on nine key issues concerning the identification of children with learning disabilities. Coverage includes alternative responses to treatment, classification approaches, processing deficit models, and approaches to decision making. Chapter Structure-- Each of the first nine chapters is organized around a lengthy, issue-oriented paper, which presents the most current research on that topic. These primary papers are then followed by four respondent papers that reflect a variety of viewpoints on the topic. Summarizing Chapter -- A small group of researchers (listed in the final chapter) dedicated an enormous amount of time to summarizing the research and developing key consensus statements regarding the identification of children with learning disabilities. Their work is sure to have a tremendous impact on future discussions in this area. Expertise-- The following well-known scholars have helped summarize the vast amount of research presented in this book as well as the consensus statements derived therefrom: Lynne Cook, Don Deshler, Doug Fuchs, Jack M. Fletcher, Frank Gresham, Dan Hallahan, Joseph Jenkins, Kenneth Kavale, Barbara Keogh, Margo Mastopieri, Cecil Mercer, Dan Reschley, Rune Simeonsson, Joe Torgesen, Sharon Vaughn, and Barbara Wise.




Medical and Educational Perspectives on Nonverbal Learning Disability in Children and Young Adults


Book Description

"This book is a comprehensive reference source for emerging research in the identification, diagnosis, and intervention of nonverbal learning disabilities, featuring in-depth coverage on a variety of topics relating to intact nonverbal skills, Nonverbal Learning Disability indicators, disability manifestation, and the dilemmas faced by caregivers and professionals"--




Perspectives on Learning Disabilities in India


Book Description

The book claims that identification of children with Learning Disabilities (LD) and teacher awareness of LD go together. Each author takes a position with respect to defining LD, refining assessment, and helping students identified with LD. The book deals with innovative, theory-driven approaches to assessment and remediation, while focusing on contextual issues. It highlights early intervention, prevention, and the need to focus on “at risk” children, and examines the progression of learning disabilities using the developmental, life-span approach.




Current Perspectives on Learning Disabilities


Book Description

This book addresses prominent trends in learning disabilities in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The book's major premise focuses on the early identification and intervention of learning disabilities which can positively impact a child's academic performance by making achievement possible. Critical information is discussed to prevent undetected learning disability which may lead even an older student to struggle with poor grades, low self-esteem, loss of interest in higher education, and reduced employment. The book presents current knowledge based information on forces outside of the school that impact the field of learning disabilities such as, advances in evaluation and testing, diagnostic imaging of the functioning brain, evolving ways of conceptualizing learning disabilities that include multicultural perspectives, challenges to conventional views of intelligence and new federal laws that place performance demands upon schools. Additionally, instructional best practice approaches and new technology is provided that should enhance the academic teaching of students. There is even a chapter on a model inner city program that discusses teaching of students with severe learning difficulties. Finally, there is a chapter on the role that school counsellors play in planning for college and careers in a climate of societal expectation that promotes a college education as an obtainable goal for students with learning disabilities. The book is valuable to general and special education teaches, school psychologists, teacher educators, practicing mental health clinicians, and school and career counsellors. A secondary audience is graduate students in special education and counselling graduate programs who need a comprehensive resource book on current trends and best practices.