Learning Disabilities: A to Z A Complete Guide to Learning Disabilities from Preschool to Adulthood

by Smith, Corinne; Strick, Lisa

• ISBN13: 9781439158692
• ISBN10: 143915869X
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-09-07
• Publisher: Free Press

Summary

The world of learning disabilities is undeniably complicated and challenging. Shining a bright light into this territory,Learning Disabilities: A to Zhas long been the trusted resource for parents, helping them navigate the tough issues and arming them with the knowledge necessary to advocate for their children at school. Covering every stage of development from the first day of preschool to the first day on the job, this updated edition also addresses current topics: Important new discoveries in brain function and information processing Education reforms made under the No Child Left Behind Act Significant advances in educational technology, information on testing, medication, improving behavior and motivation, and more . . .Corinne Smith, a leading expert in the field of learning disabilities, and Lisa Strick, a writer who knows firsthand the challenges of raising a child with learning problems, have brilliantly updated their essential guide for parents and teaching professionals. Compassionate and encouraging,Learning Disabilities: A to Zwill continue to be the book parents reach for again and again as their children grow.

Author Biography

Corinne Smith, Ph.D., Professor of Teaching and Leadership and former Dean of Education at Syracuse University, is the author of one of the leading textbooks on learning disabilities. She chairs Syracuse University's renowned Teaching and Leadership programs. She lives in Fayetteville, New York. Lisa Strick is a freelance writer who for many years has produced features on family and education for national magazines. She is the mother of two grown sons, one of whom has a learning disability. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Understanding Learning Disabilities
What are Learning Disabilities?	p. 3
What Causes Learning Disabilities?	p. 13
Brain Injury	p. 16
Errors in Brain Development	p. 20
Chemical Imbalances	p. 25
Heredity	p. 28
Environmental Influences	p. 30
Basic Types of Learning Disability	p. 39
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder	p. 42
Visual-Perception Disabilities	p. 49
Language-Processing Disabilities	p. 59
Fine-Motor Disabilities	p. 70
How are Learning Disabilities Identified?
Warning Signs at Home and at School	p. 79
Developmental Delays	p. 80
Inconsistent Performance	p. 85
Loss of Interest in Learning	p. 88
Unexpected Underachievement	p. 92
Persistent Behavioral or Emotional Problems	p. 96
Declining Confidence and Self-Esteem	p. 100
The Learning Disabilities Evaluation	p. 104
Become Informed about Federal and Local Regulations	p. 109
Investigate the Investigators	p. 111
Ask about Tests	p. 113
Find Out what Other Kinds of Information will be Collected	p. 118
Prepare Your Child for the Evaluation	p. 121
Start Keeping Records Now	p. 122
Give Yourself Time to Deal with Evaluation Results	p. 125
When in Doubt, Get a Second Opinion	p. 130
Becoming an Expert on Your Child	p. 134
Are There Physical or Health Concerns we have to Address?	p. 136
What is My Child's Overall Learning Potential?	p. 137
Exactly where are the Areas of Disability?	p. 140
What are My Child's Strengths?	p. 143
What Kind of Academic Support does My Child Need?	p. 146
What Kind of Social Support does My Child Need?	p. 151
What Kind of Emotional Support does My Child Need?	p. 153
An Appropriate Education
Becoming an Education Activist	p. 163
Preparing Individualized Education Programs	p. 175
Monitoring Student Progress	p. 177
Providing Appropriate Support at Home	p. 181
Developing an Effective Educational Program	p. 188
The Program Must Teach and Reinforce Basic Skills	p. 190
The Program Must Enable the Student to Keep Up with Class Content	p. 192
The Program Must Help the Student Learn Appropriate Educational Strategies	p. 194
The Program Must Help the Student Address Problem Behaviors	p. 201
The ABCs of Success in School	p. 229
Get Organized	p. 231
Help Children Find their Preferred Learning Styles	p. 238
Keep on Top of the Curriculum	p. 245
Pay Attention to Basic Skills	p. 254
Take Advantage of Technology	p. 264
Avoid Homework Traps	p. 275
Give Yourselves a Break	p. 284
A Quality Life
Social and Emotional Growth	p. 289
Learning Disabilities and Child Development	p. 292
The Preschool Child	p. 295
The Elementary School Student	p. 302
The Adolescent	p. 306
The Young Adult	p. 314
Strategies for Promoting Personal Success	p. 320
Believe in Your Child	p. 322
Establish Realistic Expectations	p. 328
Give the Child Responsibility	p. 339
Improve Social Skills and Opportunities	p. 349
Be Consistent about Rules and Limits	p. 363
Tune in to Family Dynamics	p. 372
Look for Outside Support when You Need it	p. 388
Looking Forward to the Future	p. 397
Does the Student have a Plan for Continuing Education or Specific Job Training After High School?	p. 401
Does the Young Adult Understand his Legal Rights and Advocate for Himself Appropriately?	p. 422
Is the Young Adult Ready to Leave Home?	p. 430
Common Assessment Measures	p. 447
The Development of Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Learning Strategies	p. 465
Using Assistive Technologies	p. 477
Resource List	p. 487
Index	p. 495
Acknowledgments	p. 509
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