FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a learning disability?

LD is a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways: as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to schoolwork and can impede learning to read, write, or do math. For more information about learning disabilities, please visit LD Online.

What are the types of learning disabilities?

LD is a broad term that covers a pool of possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Because of this it is difficult to diagnose or to pinpoint the causes. Learning Disabilities can be divided up into three broad categories. These types of learning disabilities include:

1. Developmental speech and language disorders
2. Academic skills disorders
3. "Other" a catch-all that includes certain coordination disorders and learning handicaps not covered by the other terms. Each one of these categories includes a number of more specific disorders.

What causes learning disabilities?

No one knows what causes learning disabilities as of now. There are too many possibilities to pin down the cause of the disability with certainty. A leading theory among scientists is that learning disabilities stem from subtle disturbances in the brain structures and functions. It is more important, however, that families not dwell on the causes but rather move forward in finding ways to get the right help.

How can I determine if my child has a learning disability?

Children reach certain "milestones" of development: the first word, the first step, and so forth. Both doctors and parents are watching for these developmental milestones. Learning disorders may be informally flagged by observing significant delays in the child's skill development. A 2-year delay in the primary grades is usually considered significant.

While children can be informally flagged by using observation techniques, actual diagnosis of learning disabilities is made using standardized tests that compare the child's level of ability to what is considered normal development for a person of that age and intelligence. Test outcomes depend not only on the child's actual abilities but on the reliability of the test and the child's ability to pay attention and understand the questions.

What do I do once my child is diagnosed?

Students are generally tested for learning disabilities by their school. It is important for parents to stay abreast of each step of the school's evaluation. Parents also need to know that they may appeal the school's decision if they disagree with the findings of the diagnostic team. Creating a plan for getting the right help after diagnosis is very important. Because LD can affect the child and family in so many ways, help may be needed on a variety of fronts: educational, medical, emotional, and practical.

What is transition?
Transition is a term used by educators or agencies in preparing a youth with disabilities for moving from the school setting to adult life. The preparation may involve linkages with additional agencies or service providers outside of the school setting. Employment, living arrangements, leisure activities, and further educational training all make up the life of an adult. Transition starts at the elementary grades and continues through the high school years of a student.

What is attention deficit disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are diagnoses applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common behaviors fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity . People who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their mind on any one thing and may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. People who are hyperactive always seem to be in motion. They can't sit still and may feel constantly restless. People who are overly impulsive seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written agreeement between the parents and the school about what the child needs and what will be done to address those needs. In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, formerly PL 94-142), IEPs must be drawn up by the educational team for the exceptional child and must include the following:

1. The student's present levels of academic performance.

2. Annual goals for the student.

3. Short- term instructional objectives related to the annual goals.

4. The special education and related services that will be provided and the extent to which the child will participate in regular education programs.

5. Plans for starting the services and the anticipated duration of services.

6. Appropriate plans for evaluating, at least annually, whether the goals and obejctives are being achieved.

7. Transition planning for older students.

What are the guidelines for documenting a Learning Disability at FSU?
According to the Student Disability Resource Center at FSU, testing for learning disabilities must include three types of measures...click here for detailed information.

Ask your own question!
If you have a question that has not been addressed, click here to email your question to Project G.O.A.L.S. We will post your question and a response as soon as possible!