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KEY       3.8    Learn how to recognize specific learning disabilities.



          DISABILITY OF CONDITION           WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
          Dyslexia and related reading disorders  Problems with reading (spelling, word sequencing, comprehension, reading out loud) and
                                            with translating written language into thought or thought into written language

          Dyscalculia (developmental arithmetic   Difficulty recognizing numbers and symbols, memorizing facts, understanding abstract math
          discorders)                       concepts, applying math to life skills (time management, handling money), and performing
                                            mental math calculations
          Developmental writing disorders   Difficulty composing sentences, organizing a writing assignment, or translating thoughts
                                            coherently to the page

          Handwriting disorders (dysgraphia)  Distorted or incorrect language, inappropriately sized and spaced letters, wrong or misspelled
                                            words, difficulty putting thoughts on paper or grasping grammar, large gap between spoken
                                            language skills and written skills

          Speech and language disorders     Problems with producing speech sounds, using spoken language to communicate, or
                                            understanding what others say

          LD-related social issues          Problems recognizing facial or vocal cues from others, understanding how others are feeling,
                                            controlling verbal and physical impulsivity, and respecting others’ personal space

          LD-related organizational issues  Difficulty scheduling and organizing personal, academic, and work-related materials

         Source: Information from the Language and Math section of the National Center for Learning Disabilities website. Accessed on December 24, 2011, from http://
         www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-explained


                                    ■  Seek assistance from your school. Speak with your advisor about getting a refer-
                                      ral to the counselor who can arrange specific assistance for your classes. Accom-
                                      modations mandated by law for students who are learning disabled include:
                                      ●  Extended time on tests
                                      ●  Note-taking assistance (for example, having another student take notes
                                        for you)
                                      ●  Assistive technology devices (smartphone recording apps, laptop computers)
                                      ●  Modified assignments
                                      ●  Alternative assessments and test formats

                                        Other services that may be offered include tutoring, study skills assistance, and
                                      counseling.
                                    ■  Determine when and how to disclose your status. When or if you tell people about
                                      your disability is up to you. You may disclose it prior to enrollment (if you need
                                      help with applying), at the time of enrollment or during a course (if you know or
                                      realize you will need accommodations for your coursework), after a diagnosis (if
                                      you are diagnosed during your course of study), or never (if you believe you can
                                      manage on your own). 11
                                    ■  Be a dedicated student. Be on time and attend class. Read assignments before class.
                                      Sit where you can focus. Review notes soon after class. Spend extra time on assign-
                                      ments. Ask for help.
      3                             ■  Understand your learning preferences. If you have a learning disability, some
      CHAPTER   72
                                      of your multiple intelligences may always remain underdeveloped, but you can
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