About Learning Disabilities
Learning disability is the result of nervous system dysfunction which may cause the learner to receive and process some information inaccurately. The most common learning disability found in the tertiary environment is dyslexia. Other learning disabilities are dysgraphia and aphasia.
Research indicates that at least 5% of tertiary level students have a learning disability which can cause significant difficulties in perceiving and/or processing auditory, visual or spatial information. Manifestations of the disability may vary somewhat over time. Many students who have been diagnosed as learning disabled in childhood have already established avoidance or protective or compensatory strategies to minimise the impact of the disability. However, these strategies may not necessarily be appropriate at university.
Learning disability is to all intents and purposes a ‘hidden’ disability. Often the first indication for staff will be a discrepancy between the knowledge or ability a student demonstrates in class or in discussion, and results on written assignments or in examinations.
While it is never desirable to generalise about any disability or to rely on stereotypes, there are a number of characteristics considered common to students with a learning disability. Difficulties resulting from errors in perceiving and processing information are manifested particularly in written work:
- through unusual and inconsistent spellings;
- reversals or transpositions of letters in words, or of numbers in figures, formulae, dates;
- omission of parts of words or sentences, or omission of auxiliary words, pronouns and prepositions; and
- lack of proper order or demonstrated sequence in writing and mathematical calculations.
Students may also mispronounce or misread words, and have difficulty acquiring new vocabulary or a new language. Reading rate is generally slower than average, though not necessarily in all areas. Students may exhibit difficulties in time and task management, and in prioritising and organising generally.
The definitions used in Australia have been developed from a variety of national and international sources, yet common elements can be discerned. We have provided a comprehensive definition of learning disabilities and some of the issues related to defining the term.
To understand what a learning disability (LD) is we first need to understand the history of the term. You will also find it useful to become familiar with some of the myths connected with LD.
An overview of the types of LD and some of the symptoms is also provided. Students with LD may also have associated conditions that co-exist with their LD.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies