+ EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Understanding Learning Disabilities (Exceptionalities)

+ Learning Disabilities/Exceptionalities Many psychologists prefer not to use the term handicapped or disability because of its negative implications. You'll more often see terms like challenged and exceptionality—both of which have more positive implications. Educational Psychologists refer to special needs students as those with exceptionalities. In general, exceptionalities fall in six broad categories: 1. Intellectual. This includes students who have superior intelligence as well as those who are slow to learn. 2. Communicative. These students have special learning difficulties or speech or language impairments. (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) 3. Sensory. Sensory-grouped students have auditory or visual disabilities. 4. Behavioral. These students are emotionally disturbed, have attention/misconduct issues or are socially maladjusted. 5. Physical. This includes students with orthopedic or mobility disabilities. 6. Multiple. These students have a combination of conditions, such as orthopedically challenged and visually impaired. (ex deaf-blind)

+ Facts about Special Needs Students special needs students may not want to be singled out for any special treatment. To do so may identify their disability for other students and cause them to receive some form of attention they may not be able to handle. special needs students don't assume that a student who is confined to a wheelchair is an unhappy child. Also, don't assume that children with disabilities are disabled in all areas. Most people with LD don’t want others to feel sorry for them

+ Special Education a from of specialized instruction or related services tailored to individuals with special needs. Exceptionality is a term most commonly applied to students that perform above typical averages (also referred to as giftedness), but can also describe anyone who struggles in a particular area of learning

+ 3 Ways to Teach Students w/ Learning Exceptionalities Self-contained: Self-contained classrooms are usually implemented for students with more profound disabilities and in instances where a student will have very limited access to their age appropriate grade level curriculum. These are small class sizes led by highly trained specialists in an area of exceptionality. Often times self-contained classroom students are encouraged to participate with non-disabled peers in special subject areas and social settings (also referred to as mainstreaming). Pull-out service: Students that receive pull-out services are pulled away from the general education classroom to receive specialized in instruction in their area of need. Inclusion: Inclusive services are specialized instruction services performed within the general education classroom. Lesson are differentiated and classes are team taught by a special educator and a general education teacher.

+ Learning Disabilities in Perspective Should never be used as an excuse or crutch for not being able overcome the LD We all have weaknesses, (some more evident than others), but when we are weak our God is strong-God is glorified through our weakness Every human life has value and something to contribute