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Learning
Disabilities:
Definition and Diagnosis.
A learning disability is usually defined as "unexpected underachievement."
This means that 1) the child has no serious problems in hearing or vision
that would prevent him or her from developing reading, math, or written
language skills, appropriate to his or her age, 2) the child has the
normal intellectual functioning or learning potential, or their difficulties
in skills acquisition are in excess of those associated with their reduced
intellectual level, and 3) the child has had adequate opportunity to
learn based on the specific experiences provided at home and in school.
Thus, the child has the potential to develop these reading or other
skills; and there is every reason to expect that he or she should. His
or her achievement of these skills, however, is below expectations.
The diagnosis of a learning disability is based on this definition and
involves individual testing of reading or related skills to determine
if the child is below expectations for his or her age (or ability).
- Whether in public or
private school, the student's local school system is responsible for
evaluating children with academic problems in order to determine whether
they are eligible for a service.
- Parents are always free
to obtain evaluation around possible learning disabilities privately.
Some families prefer this route, but they should know that while many
school systems accept outside testing in determining eligibility for
special education services, some do not.
- For younger children
still in their preschool years, parents may seek out a speech pathologist
since, normally, only language and not reading, math, or writing skills
are expected by this age.
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