the symptoms, the causes and what we can do about it. HILLSIDE PRESS

Definition A learning difficulty can be suspected when a child’s academic performance is below what would be expected given the child’s age, IQ and education.

Types of Learning Difficulties:  Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity  Dyslexia  Mathematics Disorder  Disorder of Written Expression / Dysgraphia

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) A poor attention span, hyperactivity and impulsivity that occurs more often and is more intense than usually seen in children of the same age. Note: A child can suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder and not be hyperactive.

How to recognize ADHD in a student Three major features: Hyperactivity: They move more and much faster than is appropriate.  fidgety when seated  unable to remain seated for long  difficulty playing quietly  talk excessively  run and climb all over the place at inappropriate circumstance

How to recognize ADHD in a student Impulsivity: They do things without considering the consequences of their actions.  impatient, blurt out answers before the question has been made  unable to wait their turn in games and queues  interfere with the activities of others  accident prone  interrupt conversations  take things from other children

How to recognize ADHD in a student Attention Deficit: An inability to focus for a long time.  They do not pay attention to detail.  Work is messy and carelessly done.  They do not finish things.  Often day dream and do not listen.  Shift from one task to another.  They are forgetful.  Their thoughts are always shifting.  They make mistakes with school work or chores.

Associated Problems Academic Problems Emotional Problems Social Problems Family Problems

Causes of ADHD There is no single cause. There is a combination of factors that interact and cause the disorder. Genetic factors Brain damage Neurochemical factors Psycho-social factors Food additives

 How often do we encounter it?  How is ADHD or ADD assessed?  Does it ever get better?

What we can do about it Medication Psychological support Academic support :  Early recognition.  Promote both academic and social learning.  Help with the child’s emotional adjustment and self- esteem.  Adjust classroom activities as much as you can.

Dyslexia A difficulty in reading, spelling and writing which cannot be accounted for by the child’s age, education or IQ.

How to recognize dyslexia symptoms in a pupil or student A difference between the pupil’s ability and their actual achievement A family history of learning difficulties Difficulties with spelling does/dus dose/does Confusion over left and right Writing letters or numbers backwards (b/d), (p/9), (p/q) Difficulties with maths Difficulties with organizing themselves Difficulty following 2- or 3- step instructions

PREVALENCE COURSE

The case of Kostas snow – snoue with – wach friends – frens do – dow live – lave when – win favourite – fret place – plice because – backes why – way

Alice The case of Alice

What causes dyslexia? There is no single cause. There is a combination of factors that interact and cause the difficulty. Inherited factors Neurobiological factors Hearing problems at an early age A combination of all three

Mathematics Disorder A difficulty with Mathematics that has nothing to do with the child’s IQ, level of education or age.Dysgraphia A difficulty in writing and/or spelling that has nothing to do with the child’s IQ, level of education or age. There appears to be no difficulty in reading. IT IS VERY COMMON TO ENCOUNTER MORE THAN ONE LEARNING DIFFICULTY IN THE SAME CHILD.

What we CAN do to help…

ABC’s to helping the dyslexic student in the regular classroom A. Accentuate the positive B. Be understanding C. Communicate with the student D. Develop a plan

A Confidence Building Exercise Things that I am good at : swimming diving basketball making people laugh being friendly to grandpa Things that I am not so good at : spelling reading writing math

Helping in class by handing out / collecting in work Showing good effort (regardless of outcome) Keeping desk tidy Showing kindness to others Being polite Sitting quietly and attentively Willingness to participate in discussions Showing ability in sport, art or music Praise for non-academic achievements