If you have heard the term LD in connection with school, and if your child is having some learning difficulties, you may want to take inventory of the difficulties and seek help.
Because each person is unique and different, each brain is unique and different, and each person learns differently. Fortunately for educators most learn in similar patterns and so what is an acceptable teaching strategy or method utilized by most teachers work for most students.
But for six to ten percent of the school population, different strategies are needed. These students are considered to have learning differences and three out of four of them are boys. Why? We simply don't know except that boys are more active and generally mature more slowly. Some learning difficulties are inherited. In special education classes, some 40 percent of the students are defined as learning disabled. Beyond school years, some six million adults are defined likewise.
Does it mean that if you have learning difficulties you won't turn out well in life or that you won't be able to be productive and earn your own livelihood? Definitely not. It does mean that you need help in your school years, and as early as possible.
Proof that learning disabled adults turn out well rests on the laurels of such famous persons as Thomas Edison, the famous inventor; Bruce Jenner, the Olympic Gold Medal winner (who had severe reading problems), Albert Einstein, the math genius (who had trouble with arithmetic in school), and with Woodrow Wilson, a former president of the United States (who did not learn to read until he was 11 years old). These people simply did not give up. They learned, but perhaps learned a little bit differently that their classmates.
What are some learning difficulties that parents should be aware of?
• Paying attention. Children with very short attention spans may be called hyper, overactive. They may need medication or medical help. Some are unable to focus on one thing at a time. They may seem to tire very easily when trying to concentrate.
• Language, written or spoken. Some children may have trouble expressing themselves or writing their thoughts. They don't comprehend what they read or remember directions.
• Memory. Some children have trouble recalling facts and remembering what they have just discussed or studied. Or, they may have trouble with long term memory.
• Some have trouble with spelling, reversing words or letters, or getting things in the correct order. Some have difficulty in reasoning or have disorganized thinking. They may find it hard to make simple decisions.
If parents notice any of these symptoms, they should contact the school for possible testing and evaluation. Different teaching strategies help. Some children work well on computers. Some need to listen to books on tape. Many need individualized help. Children may exhibit one or more of these symptoms without being LD. The main factor is a significant difference between a child's achievement and his or her overall intelligence.
All children need praise and reinforcement for positive behavior and many need directions given in small doses. They all need love, acceptance, discipline with dignity, and all certainly have the right to learn as they grow.
Copyright c 1993 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
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