Learning Disabilities: An Overview This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning about and discussing how we can best assist exceptional students. Many of thesestudents are individuals with learning dissabilities. Although it would bedifficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms,weaknesses and strengths of every disability, it can be very helpful to havea general knowledge of the disabilities that may hinder a students ability tolearn. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learningdisability (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does notdisfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to be understandingor offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),1999). Therefore asteachers it will be our responsibility to provide that understanding andsupport for those children already diagnosed and also be alert to the warningsigns that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describeslearning disabilities as follows: LD is a disorder that effects peoples ability to either interpret whatthey see and hear or to link information from different parts of thebrain. These limitations can show up in many ways. As specificdifficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control,or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can impedelearning to read or write or to do math. Learning disability can be lifelong conditions that, in some cases,affect many parts of a persons life: school or work, daily routines, familylife, and sometimes even friendships. In some people, many overlappinglearning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a singleisolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of theirlives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It isimportant to remember that the t...
