How does one know if his or her child has a learning disability or how can a teacher who teaches about 40 pupils in a class identify those with learning difficulties in a class?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLD) mean a severe learning problem due to a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in acquiring, organising or expressing information that manifests itself in school as an impaired ability to listen, reason, speak, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations, despite appropriate instruction in the general education curriculum.
If children have SpLD, it does not mean that they are mentally retarded or unintelligent; it may be that they find some aspects of studying more difficult than others.
Some common types of SpLD include Dyslexia which affects a child’s language and can, therefore, mean that the child has difficulties in spelling, writing and pronunciation, which could also mean that the child processes written or spoken information differently.
Dysgraphia is another type of SpLD that affects the physical aspects of writing and can cause an awkward pen grip, as well as handwriting that is difficult to read. This can also cause difficulties with spelling and expression of thoughts in writing.
Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome which is sometimes called Irlen Syndrome, affects the way the brain interprets printed information. Interestingly, this disability is not due to bad eyesight. It means that the child sees the printed page differently, but may not realise it.
The most unfortunate type of SpLD that can affect a child is Autism which is a lifelong development that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them such as everyday social interaction, ability to develop friendships and the capacity to understand others’ emotional expressions.
Being able to identify these disabilities in children could pose great problems but identifying and addressing them properly could be of prime advantage to both children and the guardians.
As I continued my exploration into the world of SpLD on the Internet and recommended books, I came across some signs and symptoms of learning disabilities and think it could be of great help to anyone reading this article. Parents who think their children have SpLD could contact their children’s teachers to find out if they struggle with learning, get frustrated with school and show different behaviours and symptoms in class and with friends.
If you are a parent and you believe your child may be showing early signs of learning disability, learn about typical child development, developmental delays, and signs of learning disorders that could help you determine if an assessment is needed to address the SpLD.
Mr Mawuli Tetteh, a specialist in addressing Specific Learning Disabilities in Children, said many people with learning disabilities had been successful in their careers because they learned to overcome their barriers which enabled them to accomplish their dreams and desires.
He explained that the disorders in some of the children were found to be a catalyst for success, forcing them to develop and utilise their hidden talents. He said the successes chalked up by persons with learning disabilities, despite their difficulties, showed that dreams could be fulfilled so long as they were encouraged.
Mr Tetteh, therefore, advised parents not to neglect their wards because they had special learning disabilities, but support and encourage them, adding that teachers who teach such children should also endeavour to give special attention to them to help them develop their skills.
I was fascinated that a number of famous people had excelled despite their SpLD. Did you know that Whoopi Goldberg, the outstanding American entertainer, got to know she suffered dyslexia when she was old. When Whoopi was growing up, she remembers being called dumb and stupid because she had reading problems.
Steve Redgrave, Britain’s most successful athlete, fought against all odds to achieve world-wide admiration for triumphantly concluding a 24-year-long career after entering the record books as the only person to have won Olympic gold medals five consecutive times.
Another famous and successful person is Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the greatest inventor-scientists. He also suffered dyslexia, but become a genius. Surprisingly, he was not just a scientist but an engineer, painter, sculptor, musician, biologist, geologist, mathematician and philosopher.
There is no doubt that when parents and guardians help in addressing their wards’ SpLD, their wards will excel.
It is, therefore, necessary to encourage parents, guardians and teachers not to abandon children with SpLD, but to identify, assess, and encourage them by giving them special attention to help them develop their talents.
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