Free Agatha Christie Audio Books
Born Special And Living With A Disability
A young mother sits at a table, surrounded by school officials, answering questions about her six-year-old son. She has known for a while that there was something different about him, but every time she asked questions she was told, "oh he is fine, it is not uncommon for boys to be just a little delayed." However, this child was not just a little delayed. He had never been like other kids. For instance, he did not roll over, sit up, or walk when he should have. By age four, he had missed two years of preschool because he was still in diapers because he would not use a toilet, and continuously refused to say what he needed or wanted. For that matter, he seldom acted in an appropriate manner at all. He threw fits about relatively small things, and/or sat emotionless over the things that should have upset or excited him. Oh, and his lack of interest in peers, games, and academics... yes, this troubled her too. So many thoughts rushed over her, and then one of the women began to speak. She told the mother that her precious child suffered from a learning disability, but that he qualified for special services.
WHAT! WHY? Had she not tried hard enough? Was it her fault that she was sitting at this table today? It had to be her fault! She began to cry. But, the board members quickly consoled her, and explained that her son would still be able to reach his goals, but that he would just require extra help, and that they could assist by providing special programs and services. She did not have to deal with this alone. This was the day that this young mother found out that her child was...
Born Special & Living With A Learning Disability
What are learning disabilities?
When the words "Learning and Disability" are put together, they become a broad term used to describe certain types of problems that are associated with learning (MedicineNet, 2009). These problems can affect an individual's ability to read, write, listen, speak, reason, do math, or comprehend certain situations (MedicineNet, 2009). Unfortunately, it is impossible to diagnose each and every situation in the same manner, because there are too many different combinations of hardship. For instance, one individual may have difficulty completing regular mathematical equations, where as another may be able to complete these problems, but may find him or herself stuck when it comes to word problems, because he or she is incapable of reading, and that doesn't even include the students who fail to comprehend instruction in general (MedicineNet, 2009).
It is complications like this that caused our government to produce a federal law that set certain guidelines for educating such special needs children. They called these guidelines "The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" or IDEA, and IDEA's first job was to define a specific learning disability, which it does as " . . . a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia" (MedicineNet, 2009).What are the signs of a learning disability?
Individuals with learning disabilities do not wear banners or signs that scream, "HEY YOU, I NEED HELP"! Actually, they tend to have difficulty asking for assistance (medicineNet, 2009), let alone a willingness to be tagged dependant or labeled inadequate. This means that experts and parents must look for visible differences such as how well a child does compared to how well he or she could do if he or she were like his or her peers (MedicineNet, 2009) For instance, if a child presents any of the following, he or she might suffer from a learning disability:
Has Difficulty with the alphabet, rhyming, or linking letters to their sounds (MedicineNet, 2009).
Has trouble reading (repeats, pauses a lot, or does not understand what's read) (MedicineNet, 2009)
Has trouble spelling (according to his or her grade level) (MedicineNet, 2009)
Poor handwriting (for his or her grade level) (MedicineNet, 2009).
Poor motor skills (for his or her grade age) (MedicineNet, 2009).
By J. Secrist -
I am a mother, sister, confidante, teacher, counselor, universal religious adviser, and open-minded friend. I believe everyone deserves acceptance, friendship, & a helping hand. I not only want to achieve my... Next page: Finnegans Wake Audiobook Download
Bookmark/Share This Page:
Recommended Audio Books
Great Moments in History - A free audiobook by John G. Stockmyer
Infected - A free audiobook by Scott Sigler
Forever Fifteen Free Vampire Audiobook
More free AudioBooks
Free Agatha Christie Audio Books News
