K12 Educational Learning Disabilities

During the 1940s, two major discoveries were made concerning disorders in the autistic spectrum. Dr. Leo Kanner, during a study of 11 children, brought information to the world concerning what is now known as autism. Also, Dr Hans Asperger, while doing his own studies, came across what we now know to be Asperger syndrome. There are different disorders in the autism spectrum and afflicted individuals will be affected in varying degrees. These disorders cause problems with socialization, communication skills and some of them cause repetitive behavior patterns.

An autistic spectrum disorder can be first noticed in a child by the age of 3 and in many cases much earlier. It is normally the parent who is the first to notice the behaviors or at times, the lack of certain behaviors of their children. Children who are stricken by disorders of the autism spectrum act differently than other children and sometimes do so from birth. They are most often unresponsive to parents and other individuals and will focus on objects that are not of any relevance, for an extended period of time. The child may also show signs of changes as they develop. If a child was once able to focus and interact with parents and others by babbling and cooing and suddenly becomes resistant to socialization, then this could be a cause for concern.

Disorders may range from the milder form in the autism spectrum, normally referred to as Asperger syndrome, to a more severe form known as an autistic disorder. There is also high functioning autism, which shows symptoms very close to Asperger syndrome. If a child seems to have symptoms of autism, either the mild or the more sever form, yet does not fall under a certain criteria for one of these disorders, then they are normally diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder.

Autistic spectrum disorders are not always noticed right away because children all show different developmental changes at different times in their lives. The key is in knowing when it is simply the child’s development or if there could be a problem. If the delays in development continue, then it is always best to consult with a physician. They can tell you if the child should be tested for autism spectrum disorders, as well as to provide you with information about what you can do and what to expect, if indeed the child does have one of the disorders related to autism.

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Teaching children with learning disabilities has never been an easy task for educators.  Many school had a simple philosophy of “passing kids along” until they reached the age to graduate or quit to obtain their general education diploma (G.E.D.).  It meant that many kids affected by a learning disability were forgotten and parents had to fend for themselves or tolerate failing grades and outburst of behavior from frustration.
In 1992, President Bush changed how elementary and secondary education institutes could handle children and teaching children with learning disabilities became a real issue within the public school system.  The new legislation meant that all children were given equal opportunity and any help they needed to learn the skills and knowledge to succeed in life.
This new law is known as the “No Child Left Behind Act” and makes all public school educators accountable for their education program.  Testing ensures that each grade is acquiring the knowledge they should have based on a guideline determined by the federal government and state government.
The first step before the first book or program is initiated is to test for learning disabilities.  This testing procedure allows educators and parents to know the exact nature of their child’s learning difficulties.
Once the particular area of learning disability has been assessed then the educators, working together with parents and family members, can work out an education plan that everyone can implement.
Teaching children with learning disabilities requires different techniques and methods than in the regular classroom.  There is usually more one-on-one time and there also may be the use of assistive technology equipment in the form of computer software programs, electronic media and hand held items to supplement the learning plan.
Teaching children with learning disabilities does not end with the classroom.  It is important for parents to realize that they must take an active role in their child’s life.  There are after school programs that are designed to help any student.  It is not just about catching a child up and keeping them at the basic level they should be on.  Many programs help children, even those with learning disabilities, get a head start on subjects.
With the “NCLBA” the federal government has set up guidelines to ensure that schools, professionals and teachers are held accountable for each child.  No longer will it be tolerated that a child is simply passed through.  Each and every child deserves a quality education and a chance to learn to the best of their abilities.  Teaching children with learning disabilities is no different and is held under the same rules and regulations as any other child.
Children are the future.  The time and education invested in them today becomes the rewards of the future.  No matter the race, age, ethnic group or sex, everyone deserves a quality education.

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This learning disabilities blog is designed to help parents with children who have learning disabilities, whether those be stemming from physical problems, emotional problems, mental challenges, or any other reason that may cause their child to not do well in school.

We hope you find this site useful and ask that you give us as much feedback as possible so that we may continuously improve to provide a better service to those in need.

If you have a child with an individualized education program or an individualized learning plan and feel like your school is not giving you the support you need, we would like to offer this IEP e-book as a place to start to get the answers you need so that your child may get back on track educationally.

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