What are Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities are neurological differences.
They affect how the brain:
- Takes in information
- Processes information
- Stores information
- Uses information
They are not linked to intelligence.
People with learning disabilities can have average, above, or below average intelligence.
Learning Disabilities vs Special Needs
-
Special needs = a broad term
- Includes physical, mental, emotional, and learning differences
-
Learning disabilities = one type of special need
- Focused on specific difficulties with learning skills
Common Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs)
1. Dyslexia
- Reading difficulties
- Spelling difficulties
- Word recognition challenges
2. Dyscalculia
- Difficulty with numbers
- Trouble with maths concepts
- Difficulty solving problems
3. Dysgraphia
- Difficulty with handwriting
- Spelling challenges
- Trouble organising written work
4. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
- Difficulty understanding sounds
- Trouble following spoken instructions
- Difficulty distinguishing speech in noise
5. Language Processing Disorder
- Difficulty understanding meaning of words
- Trouble forming sentences or stories
- Delayed language comprehension
6. Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD)
- Difficulty with body language
- Poor visual-spatial skills
- Coordination challenges
7. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Often co-occurs with learning disabilities
- Difficulty focusing
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity (in some individuals)
Legal Rights & Education Support (USA)
Students are entitled to support under federal law:
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- Provides special education support
- Creates an IEP (Individualised Education Program)
Section 504 Plan
- Provides classroom accommodations
- Does not always include specialist teaching
Key Support Principles
- Everyone learns differently
- Support should be individualised
- Strengths are as important as challenges
- Early support improves outcomes
Trusted Support Organisations
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- Understood.org
- Parent Center Hub
📖 2. Easy Read Version
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability means:
- The brain works in a different way
- It can be harder to learn certain skills
It does NOT mean:
- A person is less intelligent
Special needs and learning disabilities
- Special needs = many different conditions
- Learning disability = one type of special need
Types of learning disabilities
Some examples are:
- Dyslexia → reading and spelling
- Dyscalculia → maths and numbers
- Dysgraphia → writing and handwriting
- Auditory Processing Disorder → understanding sounds
- Language Processing Disorder → understanding words and sentences
- Nonverbal Learning Disability → body language and coordination
- ADHD → focus and attention difficulties
Important to remember
- People learn in different ways
- Support helps people succeed
- Everyone has strengths
Support in school (USA)
- IEP = special learning plan
- 504 Plan = extra classroom support
🧾 3. Printable Checklist (Support & Understanding)
Learning Disabilities Awareness Checklist
Understanding
- ☐ I understand learning disabilities are brain-based differences
- ☐ I know they are not linked to intelligence
- ☐ I understand the difference between special needs and learning disabilities
Communication
- ☐ I use clear, simple language
- ☐ I give one instruction at a time
- ☐ I allow extra processing time
Support
- ☐ I use visual aids when needed
- ☐ I adapt tasks to individual needs
- ☐ I focus on strengths as well as challenges
Inclusion
- ☐ I avoid negative or judgemental language
- ☐ I respect individual learning styles
- ☐ I support independence where possible
📊 4. PowerPoint Outline (Training Slides)
Slide 1: Title
Learning Disabilities Awareness & Support
Slide 2: What is a Learning Disability?
- Brain-based difference
- Affects learning
- Not linked to intelligence
Slide 3: Learning Disabilities vs Special Needs
- Special needs = broad term
- Learning disabilities = specific learning difficulties
Slide 4: Types of Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- APD
- Language Processing Disorder
- NVLD
- ADHD (often co-occurs)
Slide 5: Dyslexia
- Reading and spelling difficulties
Slide 6: Dyscalculia
- Difficulty with numbers and maths
Slide 7: Dysgraphia
- Writing and handwriting difficulties
Slide 8: Other Processing Differences
- APD
- Language processing
- NVLD
Slide 9: ADHD and Co-occurrence
- Attention difficulties
- Impulsivity
- Can appear alongside LDs
Slide 10: Legal Support (USA)
- IDEA → IEP
- Section 504 → accommodations
Slide 11: Key Principles
- Strength-based approach
- Individual support
- Accessibility matters
Slide 12: Support Organisations
- NCLD
- LDAA
- Understood.org
- Parent Center Hub
📝 5. Level 1 Quiz (Easy Assessment)
Multiple Choice
1. What is a learning disability?
A. A brain-based difference affecting learning
B. A lack of intelligence
C. A behaviour problem
✔ Correct: A
2. Dyscalculia affects:
A. Reading
B. Numbers and maths
C. Speech
✔ Correct: B
3. Dyslexia affects mainly:
A. Writing
B. Reading and spelling
C. Balance
✔ Correct: B
4. What is an IEP?
A. A school punishment system
B. A learning support plan
C. A medical test
✔ Correct: B
True or False
5. Learning disabilities are linked to intelligence.
❌ False
6. ADHD can occur alongside learning disabilities.
✔ True
7. A 504 Plan provides classroom support.
✔ True
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