Understanding the differences with a
learning disability and ADHD would be the first step for a parent to gain a
grasp on. Parents and educators should
utilize information on learning disabilities, which diagnosed as a neurological
disorder that change the way information in the brain interprets information
causing a deficit in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Learning disabilities have no cure therefore
considered a lifelong issue but with the right support and intervention,
children can be successful in their education (LD Online, 2010). According to Santrock, the United States
government defines a learning disability as having a difficulty in learning
that involves understanding or using spoken or written language and the
difficulty can appear in listening, thinking, reading, writing, and spelling
(Santrock, 2009). A student with a learning disability may perform below
average in certain subjects while performing at or above standards in other
subjects.
Learning
disabilities can be diagnosed within a school system and can vary from school
to school whereas ADHD has to be diagnosed by a medical professional. ADHD affects learning overall cognitive
functions not just one area or two. ADHD is a disability that affects learning
because children can have one or more of the three major characteristics of
ADHD, which are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (Santrock, 2009).
Children diagnosed with ADHD can have poor attention spans which causes them to
get bored fairly fast also children can be always in motion or very impulsive.
Learning disabilities have no medication available, which will help children
succeed with their decencies, but a child diagnosed with ADHD has the potential
of medication to help with the symptoms of ADHD.
According
to Santrock, individualized education plans (IEP) are specific programs
designed for the student with a disability.
Students with a learning disability in writing can have specific plans
and tutoring classes to help the child succeed, but the education has to be
consistent and progressing. A child with
ADHD can have a successful educational environment but may require multiply
aspects like parent training, behavioral intervention, appropriate educational
program, and medication (CHADD, 2010).
Medication has been a successful treatment for children to help them
gain adequate learning from their education and having the educator
understanding that a student does have ADHD can help prepare for the success of
the student.
Teachers already have a full plate
when teaching children but to teach children with learning disabilities or ADHD
must have patience. I feel that the
teacher should make goals for the children and develop strategies in a creative
way to help the children stay focused and on task so they can learn at full
capacity. Major concerns for teaching
children with learning disabilities would be how to make accommodations for the
child as well as keeping the parents informed on progress with homework and
behavior. A teach needs to adapt
teaching methods to better meet the needs of learning impaired children. I feel the toughest aspect of teaching
children with learning disabilities would be the way to handle behavior that
may disrupt the other student’s concentration.
Help
guide offers many of tips on making accommodations for students with ADHD such
as seating the student away from windows and the door, put the student right in
front of the teachers desk, seat the students in rows with a greater focus on
the teacher, and use visuals while giving instructions (HelpGuide, n.d.).
CHADD. (2010). Understanding AD/HD.
Retrieved July 19, 2010, from
http://www.chadd.org/Content/CHADD/Understanding/Treatment/default.htm
HelpGuide. (n.d.). Teaching
students with ADD/ADHD. Retrieved July 20, 2010, from
http://helpguide.org/mental/pdf/Teaching_tips_ADHD_PDF-1.pdf
Santrock, J. W. (2009). Life-Span
Development (12th ed.). : McGraw-Hill.
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