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Overview of Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities comprise a group of conditions that affect the individual’s ability to acquire or use information through sources such as reading, writing, mathematical calculations, listening, speaking, or reasoning in the absence of more global intellectual disability. Learning disabilities are present in approximately 2 to 5% of the population in the Western world.
As with other developmental disabilities, varying degrees of impairment are associated with learning disability. Severe learning disabilities affect a large number of academic and functional skills. Although individuals with severe learning
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Individuals with a learning disability face many challenges in education and daily routines; however, with appropriate interventions and adjustments, educational success and personal satisfaction can be attained. Although early recognition of learning disability and referral to appropriate special education programs can assist many individuals to achieve their full potential, not all individuals are in a situation that affords them this benefit. Individuals who achieve higher levels of success have been found to come from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, have greater social and psychological support systems, and have access to quality special education …show more content…
Adults with a learning disability face many challenges in employment. Given the wide variety of limitations experienced by individuals with learning disabilities, affected persons may need to develop a wide range of compensatory skills and abilities to manage their condition effectively. Individuals should be placed in an environment that suits their specific interests and abilities as well as their particular limitations. Appropriate assessment for identification of the specific type of learning disability and associated limitations is the first step in successful intervention. When specific limitations are identified, appropriate accommodations can be provided. Individuals should be helped to understand their condition and identify compensatory strategies and techniques that are most helpful for them. Attention should also be paid to the individual’s ability to deal with pressure and criticism. Because individuals may have a history of isolation and negative experiences, they may be more sensitive to pressure to perform or to feedback or criticism about their work or productivity.
Depending on the type of learning disability, individuals may need accommodations regarding time management, organization, or memory. In other types of learning disabilities, individuals may have difficulty with visual or auditory processing, writing, or reading. Various types of assertive technologies or software, talking calculators, electronic notebooks, software, display controls,