• Definition:
o A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to acquire, process, store, and respond to information.
o It is intrinsic to the individual, meaning it's not caused by environmental factors like lack of educational opportunity.
o It primarily affects specific cognitive processes, such as reading, writing, or mathematics.
o Examples include dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), and dyscalculia (math).
o As the provided text indicates, a learning disability can also affect adaptive skills, such as those needed for daily living.
• Key Characteristics:
o It is a lifelong condition.
o It can affect academic achievement and daily life.
o Individuals with learning disabilities have varying strengths and weaknesses.
o It is not related to intelligence. People with learning disabilities can have average or above-average intelligence.
Learning Difficulty:
• Definition:
o Learning difficulty is a broader term that encompasses any challenge a person faces in learning.
o It can be caused by various factors, including learning disabilities, but also by other conditions such as ADHD, sensory impairments, or environmental factors.
o It refers to a significant difficulty in learning compared to the majority of people of the same age.
o As indicated by the provided text, conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ADHD can cause learning difficulties.
• Key Characteristics:
o It can be temporary or permanent.
o It may require extra support or accommodations.
o It can affect various areas of learning.
Special Needs:
• Definition:
o "Special needs" is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of physical, developmental, learning, or emotional disabilities.
o It refers to individuals who require accommodations or support that goes beyond what is typically provided in a general education setting.
o This can include individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, or developmental disabilities.
• Key Characteristics:
o It encompasses a broad spectrum of needs.
o It focuses on the need for specialized support and accommodations.
o It emphasizes individualized education and support plans.
No comments:
Post a Comment