SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY - CASE STUDY

Specific Learning Disability - Case Study



Specific Learning Disability - Case Study

Introduction

Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a group of disorders significantly in the areas of reading, writing and mathematical abilities. The main cause of this disorder is not clear but it is related to nervous system or brain dysfunction. There are various types of SLDs and they may affect an individual all through his life or in some cases can be treated. Having SLD doesn't affect any physical features of an individual which can discriminate them from the others. Almost 80% of the SLD are in the reading area (Bradley, 2002). The children with Specific Learning Disabilities should be treated and taught with understanding and care. The children with SLD have average or even above average intelligence however they face difficulties in comprehending and understanding the knowledge. The severity of this disorder is different in each individual and can be from mild to severe. For students with SLDs, have difficulties in comprehending information as everything gets jumbled up in their brain. They can also have difficulties in organizing, attention, time management and task prioritizing (Berninger, 2001).

The most common SLD is reading difficulties. Generally, the reading disabilities occur when the students face problems in comprehending the written text or are unable to understand the relation between the letters, words and sounds. The comprehension of reading occurs when students are not able to grasp the concept and meaning of the written sentences and phrases. The children facing learning activates can be identified at initial stages. They usually have trouble linking the sounds and letters patterns. Parents and teachers can easily spot such children due to their hesitancy in reading, frequent starts, stops and wrong pronunciation during reading (Berninger, 2001).

Case Study of a Fictional SLD Student

Adam, nine year old, is a grade 3 student who is facing reading disability. He is bright and intelligent student but he has difficulties in understanding the written words and lacks the ability to fluently read the text. He is usually hesitant in reading the words and often mispronounces the words. He frequently halts at most of the words and takes time in comprehending the text. Adam is a determined child and tries hard to read yet lately he seems to feel embarrassed in even trying due to the fact that his friends and classmates have moved on to more difficult words. He is shy in reading aloud and tries to hide away from the teacher during the reading lessons.

He is an obedient child and is active in sports. He enthusiastically takes part in sports competitions and has even won in a race. Adam loves horses as well; he takes horse riding lessons after school. He is very happy and is often seen in high spirits during any outdoor activity. He is energetic and friendly most of the time. However, during the reading lessons he is often frustrated and confused. He usually disturbs the class and tries hard to skip his turn of ...