Learning Disabilities and its Causes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Learning Disabilities and its Causes - Essay Example If a child is diagnosed, it is necessary to trace back his history of activities to uncover the risk factors. Genetics is the most suspected cause of learning disabilities, while some cite a relationship to IQ. Surprisingly, there are those who believe that it is the result of too much television. Poor diet and lack of early childhood intervention are also attributable cases. Most people cite early intervention as the remedy, while half of the respondent erroneously believe that medication and mental health treatment is a solution. Common characteristics are classified under academic problems, attention disorders, poor motor abilities, psychological challenges, poor cognition, reading challenges, oral language problems, social skill dysfunction, and mathematical disorders. Even so, some students may only exhibit one of these characteristics, while some will still be successful in class even with some disabilities. Problems arise based on the duration, intensity, and quantity of the characteristics. Boys are more prone to girls to have a learning disability. To maintain attention, assignments should be in smaller segments, the time for each class should be increased gradually, prompts and verbal and written cues are essential. Finally, it is essential to teach students to identify and highlight information. Predictions, in form of pictures, graphs, headings, and subtitles can help a student activate prior knowledge before reading and increase attention. In addition, questions are necessary before reading to increase attention to important information. An advanced organizer can help focus on key material while self-monitoring and self-evaluation techniques are applicable for longer passages. Direct instruction helps to identify and instruct specific academic skills and the use of proven teaching techniques. This teacher-directed method ensures information is organized  and presented in an organized manner.