Learning Disabilities Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a cause of learning disabilities?

Environmental factors such as malnutrition

Genetic and brain structure differences

Lack of interest in educational activities (correct)

Medical conditions like meningitis

What is one of the characteristics of learning disabilities?

Challenges specifically in mathematics (correct)

Exceptional skills in all academic areas

Perfect memory retention

Above-average intelligence in all cases

What is the primary purpose of the Discrepancy Model in identifying learning disabilities?

To measure emotional stability

To compare achievement to IQ (correct)

To assess social skills

To evaluate physical capabilities

Which of the following is NOT a type of ADHD according to DSM-IV classifications?

ADHD Exclusively Hyperactive Type Signup and view all the answers

What does Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 primarily address?

Discrimination based on disability Signup and view all the answers

Which brain imaging technology allows researchers to observe brain activity during tasks?

Functional MRI (fMRI) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of teratogenic factors contributing to learning disabilities?

Prenatal alcohol exposure Signup and view all the answers

What does RTI stand for in the context of learning disabilities identification?

Response to Intervention Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the ADHD Predominantly Inattentive type?

Difficulty focusing with limited hyperactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which medication type for ADHD has a faster onset of action?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge associated with Central Auditory Processing Disorder?

Mixing up sounds and words Signup and view all the answers

Which type of disability primarily affects non-language based skills?

Nonverbal learning disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What type of disorder involves difficulty forming speech sounds?

Phonological disorder Signup and view all the answers

Fluency in reading is primarily associated with which type of deficiency?

Decoding Signup and view all the answers

Which instructional method is most effective for addressing writing deficiencies?

Explicit instruction Signup and view all the answers

What learning disability is primarily associated with difficulty in mathematics?

Dyscalculia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes achievement tests?

Standardized tests measuring academic performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Curriculum Based Measurement?

To monitor student progress and instructional decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of error analysis in educational settings?

Identifying patterns in student errors Signup and view all the answers

What type of room is designated for specialized instruction for students with learning disabilities?

Resource Room Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is most effective in teaching letter-sound correspondences?

Phonics instruction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not typically a challenge for students with dysgraphia?

Difficulty with calculations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Disabilities (LD)

Causes: Genetic and brain structure/function differences, teratogens (e.g., alcohol, lead, cocaine), medical factors (e.g., premature birth, diabetes, meningitis), environmental factors (e.g., malnutrition, poor prenatal healthcare).
Functional MRI: Allows researchers to observe brain activity during tasks like reading, writing, and math. Researchers can see active brain areas.
Identification: Discrepancy Model (compares achievement to intellectual ability (IQ)), but this model can struggle to identify students until later as many students have difficulties for years before identified .
Definition: A disorder in basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language (spoken or written), or doing math.
Definition of LD: Can manifest as challenges with listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math.
Characteristics: Challenges in reading, writing, and math; average to above-average intelligence.
RTI: Multi-tiered system of support.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Definition: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disabilities in programs receiving federal funding.
DSM-IV Types:
- ADHD Combined Type: Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity criteria are met.
- ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: Inattention criteria are not met.
Classification (IDEA): Other Health Impairment.
Characteristics: Often have difficulty with attention and focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Medication: Stimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall) are quicker-acting, while non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera) take longer to work.

Differential Diagnosis

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD): Difficulty processing sounds, difficulties with understanding fast speech, forgetting what was said, mixing up sounds/words.
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD): Challenges primarily affecting non-language-based skills, including motor skills, visual-spatial skills, and social skills.
Speech and Language Disorders: Challenges with creating and forming speech sounds, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, disfluency, voice disorders, or resonance disorders.
Expressive Language: Difficulty expressing thoughts and messages.
Receptive Language: Difficulty understanding spoken/written language from others.

Reading

Types of Deficiencies: Decoding (difficulty breaking down words into sounds), encoding (difficulty with spelling and writing), and fluency (difficulty with reading smoothly).
Strategies: Explicit phonics instruction, systematic instruction, structured lessons, clearly defined goals, and feedback.

Written Language

Types of Deficiencies: Spelling, grammar/punctuation, sentence structure, organization of ideas, and clarity of expression.
Strategies: Explicit instruction and systematic instruction.

Math

Types of Deficiencies: Application difficulty (calculations, using math symbols), visual aids, breaking down problems, and extra time required.
Strategies: Explicit instruction and systematic instruction, and using visual aids/extra time as tools

Assessment

Areas: Achievement tests (e.g., Woodcock-Johnson, WIAT-4), Curriculum Based Measurement (brief, frequent assessments of academic skills, used to monitor student progress and make instructional decisions), Progress Monitoring (tracking student progress over time, determining effectiveness of interventions), Task Analysis (breaking complex skills into simpler steps), Error Analysis (identifying patterns and misunderstandings in errors).

Educational Settings

Resource Room: A separate room for specialized instruction, often for part of the day.
Co-teaching inclusion classrooms: Two or more teachers collaborate, one general education and one special education.
Self-contained classroom: A separate room where individuals mainly receive instruction.

Response to Intervention (RTI)

Rationale: Provides early and intensive support for all students.
Tiers:
- Tier 1: High-quality instruction for all students.
- Tier 2: Small group interventions for students not making adequate progress in Tier 1.
- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students who are not making adequate progress in Tier 2.

Special Education

Pros: Early identification, individualized instruction, data-driven.
Cons: Misidentification, accidental referrals to special ed, time-consuming.
Program Monitoring: Tracking progress.
Research Based programs: Evidence-based instruction.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz delves into the various aspects of Learning Disabilities (LD), covering causes, identification methods, and the impact on language and mathematical skills. It also discusses the use of functional MRI in understanding brain activity related to LD and the characteristics that define these challenges. Test your knowledge on this essential topic in education and psychology.