Just What Is A Learning Disability?

A learning disability is defined as a permanent problemthe way he should. Perhaps his brain doesn't process
that affects a person with average to abovethe
averageinformation the right way. He may process information
intelligence, in the way that he/she receives, stores,much
and processes information.There are many wrongslower than other people. Or he may not process
ideas out there aboutwhat he sees effectively. Some people can't process
learning disabilities. For example:1) A learning disabilitywhat they hear as well
will go away in time.as what they see. Other people can't remember
Unfortunately, this is not true. The good news is, youinformation unless
canit's repeated again and again, and some people have
learn ways to get around the problem. For example,real trouble getting the information out of that filing
kids whosystem they have in
have trouble taking notes in class, like Michele did, cantheir brain. Typically people with learning disabilities
record the class on audiotape. Other students canwork harder than others - but with lesser results. It's
make copiesnot
of the notes they have taken for them. The teacherabout hard work - it's a learning disability.4) A person
can makewith a learning disability can't do anything right.
copies of the notes they are lecturing from. Or, whenEven though a child may have a learning disability in
the notesone or
are written on an overhead transparency during thetwo areas, it doesn't mean they can't do anything right.
lecture,
they can be copied after class and given to theMy daughter struggled with a disability in math, but
student.For children who have trouble reading, tapes ofwhat a
many of thewonderful writer she is! And she has more knowledge
textbooks are made available through the publishingabout how
companies.to get around a computer than many people have - I
At one school where I taught volunteers did the taping.envy that
ability because I think I have a learning disability in
We also used tapes that were recorded by athat area! I've known students who, even though they
company calledstruggled
Recordings for the Blind.2) A person with a learningwith math or reading, were excellent around heavy
disability has a low IQ.equipment or automobile engines or carpentry or
Again - not true. A person with a learning disability hasdrafting. Many could do
things with a computer that seemed impossible.The
an average or better IQ. There are many people whoimportant thing is that, if your child has a learning
are verydisability, or even if you suspect he might have one,
smart, but for some reason, they cannot learn as welllearn
as theireverything you can so that you will know what to
IQ suggests they should. I tell my students that havingexpect and
awhat not to expect from him as well as from his
learning disability is really a compliment because itteachers and
meanshis educational program. That way you will be able to
that they are very smart! Unfortunately, because aunderstand and help him in the best way
negativepossible.While none of us wishes our child to have a
by-product of a learning disability is often lowlearning disability,
self-esteemif he or she does, recognizing and dealing with that
they don't always believe me. So remember, thefact is the
self-esteemintelligent approach to take. It's only when we
issue is as important to deal with as the learningrecognize the
disability itself!3) A person with a learning disability istruth about our child's condition, that we can learn how
just lazy.to
There has to be a reason why the person with LDmaximize his or her abilities and minimize their
doesn't learndis-abilities.Want to be an advocate for your child?