Learning Disabilities
This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning about and
discussing how we can best assist exceptional students. Many of these
students are individuals with learning dissabilities. Although it would be
difficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms,
weaknesses and strengths of every disability, it can be very helpful to have
a general knowledge of the disabilities that may hinder a students ability to
learn. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learning
disability (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does not
disfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to be understanding
or offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),1999). Therefore as
teachers it will be our responsibility to provide that understanding and
support for those children already diagnosed and also be alert to the warning
signs that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describes
learning disabilities as follows: LD is a disorder that effects peoples ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways. As specific
difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control,
or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can impede
learning 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, family
life, and sometimes even friendships. In some people, many overlapping
learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a single
isolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of their
lives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It is
important to remember that the term learning disability does not apply to
students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual
or hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, or
disadvantaged due to their environment, culture or economic background (US
Department of Education (USDE), 1999).
Knowing what constitutes a LD is only the beginning. Diagnosing and
treating a learning disability is not...
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American Psychiatric Association (APA: 1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th edition). Washington DC: Author.
Council for Exceptional Children: Division of Learning Disabilities. (1999). Council for Exceptional Children homepage. [On line]. Available: http://www.cec.sped.org/home.htm
Council for Learning Disabilities. (1999). Council for Learning Disabilities homepage. [On line]. Available: http:/ www. coe.winthrop. edu/cld
Learning Disabilities Association on America. (1998). Learning Disabilities Association on America homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ldanatl.org
National Center for Learning Disabilities. (1999). National Center for Learning Disabilities homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ncld.org
National Institute of Mental Health. (1999). National Institute of Mental Health homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/home.htm
The International Dyslexia Association. (1999). The International Dyslexia Association homepage. [Online]. Available: http.interdys.org
U. S. Department of Education. (1999). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act homepage. [Online]. Available: http://www.ed.gov/
A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, methylphenidate—more commonly known as Ritalin—is drug prescribed in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) ((1)). AD/HD, by definition, is "developmentally inappropriate behavior, including poor attention skills, impulsivity, and hyperactivity" sustained for more than 6 months, appearing usually during childhood2 ((2)). Figures estimate an approximate 3-5% of children are affected by the disorder. Differing views, however, exist about the legitimacy of the majority of these diagnoses. In light of this, the object of this assessment is to examine the bodily and societal implications of methylphenidate.
One of the main treatments for ADHD is the use of medication. Primarily the main medication used is stimulants such as amphetamines. Amphetamines have been used in this treatment due to its effects of reducing the symptoms of ADHD such as behavior and irritability (Hodgkins, Shaw, McCarthy, Sallee, 2012). A major concern though with the use of amphetamines is...
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cites Ritalin, or Methylphenidate, as a central nervous system stimulant that has a focusing and calming effect on children and adults diagnosed with ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 3–5% of the general population has ADHD, which is characterized as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. This statistic indicates that one child in every classroom in America has ADHD.
Stimulant drugs are widely used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These stimulants dramatically reduce the hyperactivity of sufferers and improve their ability to focus, learn and work. Such medication may also improve physical coordination, for instance handwriting and sports. Research completed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that these medicines may also help children with an accompanying conduct disorder to control their impulsive, destructive behaviours. The three medications that have been proven by the NIMH to be most effective in both children and adults suffering from ADHD are: methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine or Dextrostat), and pemoline (Cylert). (NIMH 1999) Yet there is currently much research on the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, such as t...
U.S. Heath News reported (2013) that 6.4 million children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since 2007, the utilization of stimulant medication to treat ADHD has jumped 11% nationally as a whole. It was also reported that the U.S. spends more on prescription drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than it does for all but six other medical conditions (U.S. News Health, 2013). The number of ADHD diagnosed teens prescribed stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, will be increasing over time as the new guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics now recognizes physicians prescribing ADHD stimulant medications to childre...
Ritalin is a risky drug. Taking this drug means having to take a dosage every four hours. Like any other medication, large doses can lead to addiction. At the end of the day, when the medication starts to wear off, mood swings occur and the sufferer becomes irritable. Side effects, which include insomnia, loss of appetite, stunted height, and irritability are brutal to the victim (Mann). Ritalin, if taken improperly, can increase a person's heartbeat and blood pressure. This can cause cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and premature death. If ADHD doesn't get treated correctly, or within the first couple of years, there are some serious long term consequences (Ciampa).
Have you ever suffered or known anyone that has suffered from attention deficit disorder? A.D.D. is a biologically based condition causing a persistent pattern of difficulties, which includes three types of behavior. These three types are difficulty attending or focusing on a specific task, difficulty inhibiting behavior, and difficulty controlling impulses. In 1950 the prescription drug Ritalin was patented and manufactured by the CIBA-Geigy Corporation. This drug stimulates the central nervous system, with effects similar to but less potent than amphetamines and more potent than caffeine (Bailey 1). Several million children are being treated with Ritalin on the grounds that they have attention deficit disorder and are suffering from there inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. In the past decade, there has been growing evidence that Ritalin has had negative effects on a child’s mind and behavior leading to such disorders like psychosis, mania, drug abuse, and addiction. It suppresses creative and spontaneous activity making them more docile and obedient because of the way that Ritalin produces malfunctions in their brain rather than improving its function (Breggin 124). Prescribing Ritalin to children with diagnosed attention deficit disorder brings more negative side effects than solutions and leads to addiction.
Frankenburger, William; Christie Cannon. "Effects of Ritalin on Academic Achievement from First to Fifth Grade." International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education. 46 2 (1999): 199-221.
The term “learning disability” applies to a multitude of different disabilities. This term can refer to a specific disorder, specific disability, or a specific weakness within a student. Using the term learning disability is similar to grouping all people living in the United States as Americans. An important point of learning disabilities is they can occur with other disorders such as ADD or ADHD. This does not mean they occur with every disability, but can be present or contribute to a learning disability (Horowitz, Ed. D and Golembeski, Ed. M. par 9).
In the United States, 4.9% of the population is considered intellectually disabled. In other words, from a base population of 287,572,700 people, 14,144,300 of them have an intellectual disability. In the state of South Carolina, 5.6% of the population has an intellectual disability. This means from a base population of 4,311,200, an estimated 242,600 are considered to have an intellectual disability. This survey included all ages, races, all genders, and all education levels (“Disability Statistics”).
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, by Dillenburger, K., and Keenan M., published in 2009, summarized Nov 19, 2009
"INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2004 (IDEIA), PL 108-446." Encyclopedia of Special Education: A Reference for the Education of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Disabilities and Other Exceptional Individuals. N.p.: Wiley, 2007.Credo Reference. 19 Jan. 2010. Web. 12 May 2014. .
The law requires that this instruction fundamentally tailors to the unique need(s) of the child with the disability. Society considers children with disabilities minorities in the school, and since the late 1960’s parents, schools, legislators, and educators have been fighting for the rights of children with disabilities. In 1975 the first Act, P.L.94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed, setting all the guidelines for special education as a field (Bicehouse & Faieta, 2017). Researchers Spaulding & Pratt (2015) mentioned efforts to educate individuals with disabilities began as early as a century before the 1960’s reform movements. A time when the law did not afford a disabled person the opportunity to go to school or the family placed him or her in an
Next you can decide if you want to take medication such Ritalin and deal with the side effects like vomiting, mood swings, dizziness and headaches. Or you can try an alternative route and enter a program like Handle that helps you control your ADHD. The medication doesn't work for everyone and it can cause side effects. Some people find that attending an ADHD program is not enough for them and medication is necessary.
National Dissemination for Children with Disabilities, (2014). The IEP Team. Retrieved from National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/team