Language-based learning disability

Language-based learning disabilities or LBLD are "heterogeneous" disorders associated with young children that affect their academic skills such as listening, reasoning[1] speaking, reading, writing, and maths calculations. It is also associated with movement, coordination, and direct attention. LBLD is not usually identified until the child reaches school age. Most of the children with this disorder find it hard to communicate, to express ideas efficiently and whatever they say can be ambiguous and hard to understand[2] It is caused by brain damage[1] or a structural development of brain usually at birth. It is often hereditary, and is frequently associated to specific language problems.[3]
There are two types of learning disabilities: non-verbal, which includes disabilities from psychomotor difficulties to dyscalculia, and verbal, language based.[4][5]

Symptoms

LBLD consists of dyscalculia which comprises the reading of numbers sequentially, learning the time table, and telling time.[6] Dyslexia, difficulties associated with written language such as trouble learning new vocabulary, letters and alphabets. Auditory processing disorders can cause trouble understanding questions and following directions, understanding and remembering the details of a story's plot or a classroom lecture, learning words to songs and rhymes, telling left from right, and having a hard time with reading and writing .[7] Difficulties associated with reading and spoken language involve trouble understanding questions and following directions, understanding and retaining the details of a story's plot or a classroom lecture, nonword repetition, learning words to songs and rhymes, and identifying the sounds that correspond to letters, which makes learning to read difficult[8] Difficulties associated with motor skills include difficulty telling left from right which is part of motor incoordination, visual perceptual problems, and memory problem[9]

Prevalence

15-20% of the children in the United States have a language-based learning disability. Of the students with specific learning disabilities receiving special education services, 70-80% have a discrepancy in reading.[10]

Diagnosis

A speech-language pathologist (SLP), psychologist, social worker, and sometimes neurologist work together or individually to find the proper diagnosis for children with LBLD. Additionally, they evaluate speaking, listening, reading, and written language for children who have LBLD.

Prognosis

LBLD can be an enduring problem. Some people might experience overlapping learning disabilities that make improvement problematic. Others with single disabilities often show more improvement. Most subjects can achieve literacy via coping mechanisms and education.

Treatment

Special education classes are the primary treatment. These classes focus on activities that sustain growth in language skills. The foundation of this treatment is repetition of oral, reading and writing activities. Usually the SLP, psychologist and the teacher work together with the children in small groups in the class room. Another treatment is looking at a child’s needs through the Individual Education Plan (IEP). In this program teachers and parents work together to monitor the progress of the child’s comprehensive, verbal, written, social, and motor skills in school and in the home. Then the child goes through different assessments to determine his/her level. The level that the child is placed in will determine the class size, number of teachers, and the need for therapy.

See also

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Vinson, Betsy Partin. (2006). Language Disorders Across the Lifespan. Belmont: Cengage Demar. ISBN 1-4180-0954-7.
  2. M.B. Aria .Learn How To Be A Better Parent And Raise Healthy Happy Children
  3. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/LBLD.htm
  4. http://www.parentinged.com/learning-disabilities/An-Introduction-To-Language-Based-Learning-Disabilities.html
  5. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  6. Lerner, Janet W. (2000). Learning disabilities: theories, diagnosis, and teaching strategies. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-96114-9.
  7. Neuman, Susan B., and David K. Dickinson. (2006). Handbook of Early Literacy Research. Minneapolis: Guilford Publications. ISBN 1 -5938-5184-7.
  8. G.M. McArthur, J.H. Hogben, V.T. Edwards et al. (2000). "On the "specifics" of specific reading disability and specific language impairment.". Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 41 (7): 869–874. doi:10.1111/1469-7610.00674. PMID 11079429.
  9. Paul, Rhea, Pamela Bruni, and Ayub Balweel. (2006). Language Disorders from Infancy Through Adolescence: Assessment and Intervention. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 0-323-03685-6.
  10. http://www.verticylearning.org/lld-facts-and-resources.html
  11. M.F. Joanisse, F.R. Manis, P. Keating and M.S. Seidenberg (2000). "Language Deficits in Dyslexic Children: Speech Perception, Phonology, and Morphology.". Journal of Experimental Child Psychology 77 (1): 30–60. doi:10.1006/jecp.1999.2553. PMID 10964458.