1. Learning Disability
Thsleem MP
2nd MSW
Central University of Kerala

2. A learning disability is described as:
A state of arrested or incomplete development of
mind
Significant impairment of intellectual functioning
Significant impairment of adaptive/social
functioning

3. For Them ?
It’s hard to learn things in the normal way
The brain is not able to receive and process
information in the same way as others
May have trouble performing certain tasks or
displaying certain skills
sTruggle with social skills and interaction
Exists from childhood or develops before birth
Does not develop in adulthood

4. A learning difficulty cannot be cured, but there is support available to
help those with learning difficulties succeed in life. Learning difficulties are
often confused with mental illness, but the two are entirely separate. The
most common learning difficulties are attention deficit hyperactive
disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia.
(Source: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/learning-
difficulties.html)

5. Signs of a learning difficulty
• LESS concentration
• trouble remembering
• sequencing problems
• difficulties reading and/or writing
• difficulties with social interaction
• tripping over things, excessive clumsiness
If they become prominent or continuous, this may be an indication of a learning
difficulty.

6. Specific learning difficulties
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia
• ADHD – attention deficit hyperactive disorder

7. Learning disability: causes
Damage to central nervous system whilst in the womb
Lack of proper brain development
Did not receive enough oxygen during child birth
Smoking and taking drugs during pregnancy
Genetic influences
-Environment the child grows - Poor nutrition -environmental toxins

8. How are learning disabilities diagnosed?
Full evaluation includes
Medical examination- neurological exam (identify causes - emotional
disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and brain diseases)
Exploration of developmental, social, and school performance
Discussion of family history
Academic achievement testing and psychological assessment
Specialists work as a team - psychologist, special education expert, and
speech-language pathologist (SLP)

9. When is the right time to seek help?
• hard to differentiate between a child struggling with the
normal learning process, and a child struggling to the point of
having a learning difficulty, and needing alternative methods
to help them learn
• The first signs of a potential learning difficulty may arise when
the child is learning to speak, read, write or solve problems

10. Solution ?
Usually, experts work to help a child learn skills by building on
the child’s strengths and developing ways to compensate for
the child’s weaknesses.
Interventions vary depending on the nature and extent of the
disability.

11. Interventions for Specific Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Special teaching techniques
Classroom modifications
Use of technology
Dysgraphia
Special tools
Use of technology
Other ways of reducing the need for writing
Dyscalculia
Visual techniques
Use of memory aids
Use of computers

12. interventions
• Play therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Psycho education
• Motivational interview
• Behavioral intervention
• Self instructional training
• Relaxation strategies
• Skills training

13. MAIN concerns of parents
• Will my child ever learn to read and spell?
answer :
With appropriate intervention, a dyslexic student can
expect to read with the same degree of accuracy as
their age peers by the time they leave school.

14. Will my child be able to get a good education, go to university,
get a job?
The answer to all these questions is YES.
To achieve at school, a dyslexic needs:
laptop/computer-powerpoint presentation
personal routines-making reminder lists- computer software
available such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text- &spell-
checker

15. What are the characteristics of dyslexics who have been
successful in their chosen careers?
1. understanding of how dyslexia affects
2. strong desire to succeed
3. willingness to work hard
4. confidence
5. make use of appropriate aids
6. find an area that suits their particular skills
7. have support and understanding at home and
at school

16. cOncluSION
The most important treatment, however, may simply
be someone helping the child/adolescent/young
adult accept who they are and determine the best
ways to move on

17. Thank YOU

18. National Institutes of Health
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/pages/treatment.aspx
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/basics/treatment-for-learning
disabilities/
http://www.speld-sa.org.au/faq/dyslexia.html#diagnosing dyslexia