Specific learning disability (SLD) is a disorder that can manifest itself in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and mathematical calculation. Dyslexia is an example of a specific learning disability. SLD is often difficult to diagnose and often gets mixed up with autism spectrum disorders or attention deficit disorders.
Some myths have developed over the years about specific learning disabilities and children with SLD that continue to make it difficult to give children the help they need. However, there are things that should be known.
Children with learning disabilities will not outgrow them
A dyslexic child will most likely grow up and remain dyslexic. These disabilities will not disappear or resolve on their own, but with help, children can circumvent and work around their specific disabilities. This belief that children can outgrow their learning disabilities cause many children to underperform and suffer esteem issues that exacerbates their problems learning.
More boys than girls are diagnosed for learning disabilities
This seems to be true across ethnic and racial groups. It’s unknown why there is this gap, but it could possibly be due to more attention being given to the boys’ behaviours or that they are more disruptive. It could even be that boys have a biological tendency for learning disabilities, but these are all just speculations.
Children with learning disabilities are often of average to above average intelligence
Having a specific learning disability does not automatically mean a child is slow or has low intelligence. They have a disability that prevents them from learning normally in any number of ways whether it is by writing, speaking or reading. Some children only have a single disability whereas others may have multiple issues to contend with.
Due to the many misconceptions, myths, and lack of knowledge surrounding SLD, many children go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed leading many children to underperform, fail, or drop out believing they are unable to learn like their peer.
Find out more about specific learning disabilities, and how to develop individual education plans to help children overcome their difficulties.
CAE offers our 12-month Advanced Diploma in Special Education to train educators and parents in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of these needs and the basic principles and practices of effective teaching and learning. The programme is highly practice-oriented to ensure that what you learn in class can be applied to children with special needs under your charge.
The 6-month Diploma in Education (Special Needs) part-time programme provides an essential introduction to the various categories of exceptional children and educational programmes available. The course will also train you to confidently design and implement an Individualised Education Plan or IEP to aid in specific areas such as language and communications.
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