What are Learning Disabilities?
A learning disability can be described as a learning difference in the way a person understands, remembers, and/or expresses information. This translates into difficulties with reading, writing, and/or math.
To qualify as having a learning disability at the community college level, one must exhibit at least average to above average intelligence. It isn't because they can't learn - they just learn differently. The signs of learning disabilities vary from person to person. Common signs that a person may have learning disabilities include the following:
Reading
● Confusion of similar words, difficulty using phonics, problems reading multi-syllable words
● Difficulty finding important points or main ideas
● Slow reading rate and/or difficulty adjusting speed to the nature of the reading task
● Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material that is read, but not with materials presented orally
Writing
● Difficulty with sentence structure, poor grammar, omitted words
● Frequent spelling errors, inconsistent spelling, letter reversals
● Difficulty copying from chalkboard
● Poorly formed handwriting -- might print instead of using script; writes with an inconsistent slant; have difficulty with certain letters; space words unevenly
● Compositions lacking organization and development of ideas
Listening
● Difficulty paying attention when spoken to
● Difficulty listening to a lecture and taking notes at the same time
● Easily distracted by background noise or visual stimulation
● Might appear to be hurried in one-to-one meetings
● Inconsistent concentration
Oral Language
● Difficulty expressing ideas orally which the student seems to understand
● Difficulty describing events or stories in proper sequence
● Difficulty with grammar
● Using a similar sounding word in place of the appropriate one
Math
● Difficulty memorizing basic facts
● Confusion or reversal of numbers, number sequences or symbols
● Difficulty copying problems, aligning columns
● Difficulty reading or comprehending word problems
Study Skills
● Problems with reasoning and abstract concepts
● Exhibits an inability to stick to simple schedules, repeatedly forgets things, loses or leaves possessions, and generally seems "personally disorganized"
● Difficulty following directions
● Poor organization and time management
Social Skills
● Difficulty "reading" facial expressions, body language
● Problems interpreting subtle messages, such as sarcasm or humor
● Seems disorganized in space: confuses up and down, right and left; gets lost in a building, is disoriented when familiar environment is rearranged
● Seems disoriented in time: is often late to class, unusually early for appointments or unable to finish assignments in the standard time period
● Displays excessive anxiety, anger, or depression because of the inability to cope with school or social situations
How does learning disability testing benefit students?
- Learn personal strengths and weaknesses
- Determine effective strategies for learning
- Provides ideas to guide tutors in supporting learning
- Obtain documentation that they will need to formally request accommodations for any state testing (e.g. LSAT, MSAT, NCLEX, etc)
- Obtain documentation that they will need to formally request accommodations at the workplace or at any other post-secondary institution
Resources
- Council for Learning Disabilities
- International Dyslexia Association (Formerly the Orton Dyslexia Society)
- Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic