Tuesday, April 28, 2009

WHAT IS A LEARNING DISABILITY ?




"Learning Disability" is not a specific term; it is a category containing many specific disabilities, (such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder) all of which cause learning to be difficult.

Here is the NJCLD Definition (National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities) :

Learning disabilities is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical skills.These disorders are intrinsic to the individual,presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction,and may occur across the life span.


A person who has a specific learning disability has average or above average intelligence, has normal ( or corrected ) vision and hearing, has an intact motor capability, is not emotionally disturbed, has had an opportunity to learn and is learning in an environment that is not biased in terms of materials, curriculum, approach and resources.

Attention Deficit Disorder is a completely separate condition from dyslexia.

However, research has shown that at least 40% of people with dyslexia also have AD/HD (Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without Hyperactivity).










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