Read complete books and articles on: Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities - in education, any of various disorders involved in understanding or using spoken or written language, including difficulties in listening, thinking, talking, reading, writing, spelling, or arithmetic. They may affect people of average or above-average intelligence. Learning disabilities include conditions referred to as perceptual handicaps, minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), dyslexia, developmental aphasia, and attentional deficit disorder (ADD); they do not include learning problems due to physical handicaps (e.g., impaired sight or hearing, or orthopedic disabilities), mental retardation, emotional disturbance, or cultural or environmental disadvantage. Techniques for remediation are highly individualized, including the simultaneous use of several senses (sight, hearing, touch), slow-paced instruction, and repetitive exercises to help make perceptual distinctions. Students are also assisted in compensating for their disabilities; for example, one with a writing disability may use a tape recorder for taking notes or answering essay questions. Behavior often associated with learning disabilities includes hyperactivity (hyperkinesis), short attention span, and impulsiveness. School programs for learning-disabled students range from a modified or supplemental program in regular classes to placement in a special school, depending upon the severity of the disability. The field of learning disabilities is considered to have emerged as a separate discipline in 1947 with the publication of the book Psychopathology and Education of the Brain-Injured Child by neuropsychiatrist Alfred A. Strauss and Laura E. Lehtinen. The need to help students with these disabilities was first recognized on the federal level in 1958, when Congress appropriated $1 million to train teachers for the mentally retarded. Famous people considered to have had a learning disability include Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, and Nelson Rockefeller.

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16 of the Best Books and Articles on: Learning Disabilities

as selected by Questia librarians

1.

Perspectives on Learning Disabilities: Biological, Cognitive, Contextual » Read Now
by Robert J. Sternberg, Louise Spear-Swerling. 316 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

Although the term learning disabled (LD) is widely used, few agree on its definition or origins. This edited volume attempts to bridge that knowledge gap by bringing together experts from a variety of perspectives-biological, cognitive, educational, sociological, & interactive-to discuss the nature...
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Although the term learning disabled (LD) is widely used, few agree on its definition or origins. This edited volume attempts to bridge that knowledge gap by bringing together experts from a variety of perspectives-biological, cognitive, educational, sociological, & interactive-to discuss the nature of LD, its origins, its diagnosis, & effective remediation. Framing the discussion are introductory & concluding chapters written by the editors.
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2.

Learning Disabilities: Theoretical and Research Issues » Read Now
by Barbara Keogh, H. Lee Swanson. 372 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library
3.

The Nature of Learning Disabilities: Critical Elements of Diagnosis and Classification » Read Now
by Steven R. Forness, Kenneth A. Kavale. 436 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library
4.

Our Labeled Children: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know about Learning Disabilities » Read Now
by Elena L. Grigorenko, Robert J. Sternberg. 290 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

Twenty percent of all school-aged children in this country have been labeled Learning Disabled. But what is a genuine learning disability? How does it differ from garden-variety poor learning? How can we more accurately assess and then teach to individual learning strengths instead of merely...
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Twenty percent of all school-aged children in this country have been labeled Learning Disabled. But what is a genuine learning disability? How does it differ from garden-variety poor learning? How can we more accurately assess and then teach to individual learning strengths instead of merely pinpointing learning weaknesses? In this passionately argued yet clear-headed book, internationally acclaimed cognitive psychologist Robert Sternberg and research scientist Elena Grigorenko tackle these controversial issues, urging that we understand the full range of factors that contribute to learning disabilities (and sometimes to their misdiagnosis) in order to improve the American educational and diagnostic systems.
From the biological bases of dyslexia and other disabilities, to the tests that do and do not accurately assess learning abilities, to the social and educational pressures that contribute to misdiagnosis, Our Labeled Children clearly outlines the issues that concern both parents and teachers, ultimately pointing to clear strategies for improving our system to help children with all manner of learning problems.
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5.

Successful Educators: A Practical Guide for Understanding Children's Learning Problems and Mental Health Issues » Read Now
by Nathan Naparstek. 189 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

An insider's guide for educators who want to develop a better understanding of children's learning problems. The text will be helpful for educators including classroom teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, or graduate students who want to develop...
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An insider's guide for educators who want to develop a better understanding of children's learning problems. The text will be helpful for educators including classroom teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, or graduate students who want to develop a better understanding of children's learning problems.
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6.

Parenting Children with Learning Disabilities » Read Now
by Jane Utley Adelizzi, Diane B. Goss. 242 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

In a straightforward and empathetic tone, Adelizzi and Goss sensitively offer support to parents of children with learning disabilities who wish to see their children grow to their full potential. While juggling the complex expectations imposed upon them, parents often combat confusion, anger, fear...
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In a straightforward and empathetic tone, Adelizzi and Goss sensitively offer support to parents of children with learning disabilities who wish to see their children grow to their full potential. While juggling the complex expectations imposed upon them, parents often combat confusion, anger, fear, sadness, and frustration. This book will help diffuse these overwhelming feelings, empowering parents with the ability to provide the academic and personal support their children need to thrive.
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7.

Issues Facing the Field of Learning Disabilities, in Learning Disability Quarterly » Read Now
by H. Lee Swanson. 16 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library
8.

Research and Global Perspectives in Learning Disabilities: Essays in Honor of William M. Cruickshank » Read Now
by Daniel P. Hallahan, Barbara K. Keogh. 362 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

This volume honors the founder of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD), William M. Cruickshank, and his many accomplishments. His influence on special education in general, and learning disabilities in specific, is evident throughout the world. Consistent with his...
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This volume honors the founder of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD), William M. Cruickshank, and his many accomplishments. His influence on special education in general, and learning disabilities in specific, is evident throughout the world. Consistent with his international activities, the contributors to this book represent nine different countries. The chapters reflect a range of perspectives on "the state of the art" in learning disabilities, documenting both commonalities and differences across countries. Taken together, the chapters provide a comprehensive and informative picture of learning disabilities.
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9.

The Social Dimensions of Learning Disabilities: Essays in Honor of Tanis Bryan » Read Now
by Mavis L. Donahue, Bernice Y. L. Wong. 242 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

Bringing together over 25 years of research into the social aspects of learning disabilities (LD), this book presents a range of topics that reflect on the richness of research interests in the discipline. In honor of Tanis Bryan, the pioneer in research on social competence of children with LD, the...
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Bringing together over 25 years of research into the social aspects of learning disabilities (LD), this book presents a range of topics that reflect on the richness of research interests in the discipline. In honor of Tanis Bryan, the pioneer in research on social competence of children with LD, the researchers that follow her lead systematically examine critical issues in the social relationships of these children. The book begins by placing the work of Bryan and her research associates' in context, in terms of the prevailing theoretical frameworks and social political influences that led to the enormous impact of the work.
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10.

Research on Classroom Ecologies: Implications for Inclusion of Children with Learning Disabilities » Read Now
by Deborah L. Speece, Barbara K. Keogh. 293 pgs.

Collections: Education, Entire Library
11.

Identification of Learning Disabilities: Research to Practice » Read Now
by Renée Bradley, Louis Danielson, Daniel P. Hallahan. 856 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library
12.

Inclusive Education: A Global Agenda (Chap. 8 "Inclusion of Pupils with Learning Disabilities in General Education Settings") » Read Now
by Sip Jan Pijl, Cor J. W. Meijer, Seamus Hegarty. 182 pgs.

Collections: Education, Entire Library

This book is based on the assumption that inclusive education is a necessary part of providing high quality education for all. Using international examples, it clarifies the rationale for inclusion and demonstrates
13.

Facing Learning Disabilities in the Adult Years » Read Now
by Joan Shapiro, Rebecca Rich. 224 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

Between five and eleven million individuals in this country struggle with learning disabilities throughout adulthood, and it is estimated that two to three percent of incoming college freshman are learning disabled. In fact, learning-disabled adults are the fastest growing population of disabled...
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Between five and eleven million individuals in this country struggle with learning disabilities throughout adulthood, and it is estimated that two to three percent of incoming college freshman are learning disabled. In fact, learning-disabled adults are the fastest growing population of disabled university students. But unlike in the past, learning disabilities are now well understood, and there is a great deal of help available for the disabled--if they can find it. Written in a readable and friendly style, Adults With Learning Disabilities is an invaluable resource not only for learning disabled adults, but also highschool and college students with learning disabilities, parents, professionals across disciplines, and the lay public. Here is the most up-to-date information on the causes and symptoms of learning disabilities, specific conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, a review of definitions, an update of research and advances in the neurosciences, assessment and intervention, pertinent legal issues, making college and employment plans, the role of professionals, and much more. The authors review metacongnitive theory and emphasize the role of strategic approaches to learning both in and out of school. Clinical examples make a compelling case that individuals with learning disabilities can--and do--attain significant levels of success. New research consistently demonstrates that access to information and knowledge about learning disabilities is essential for success and self-fulfillment. Written by educators with extensive experience, this book offers a rigorous, comprehensive treatment of the field of learning disabilities.
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14.

Off Track: When Poor Readers Become "Learning Disabled" » Read Now
by Louise Spear-Swerling, Robert J. Sternberg. 336 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

"There is no more definitive, and readable, account of why we have witnessed a huge increase of reading-disabled studentsand why we are mostly wrong in framing this and many other academic problems as a disability. Spear-Swerling and Sternberg masterfully demonstrate the disconnects between...
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"There is no more definitive, and readable, account of why we have witnessed a huge increase of reading-disabled studentsand why we are mostly wrong in framing this and many other academic problems as a disability. Spear-Swerling and Sternberg masterfully demonstrate the disconnects between scientific evidence about poor reading and the views pushed by large parts of the learning disabiliyt industry. . . . A must-read for educators and a should-read for everyone interested in education".Albert Shanker, President, American Federation of Teachers.
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15.

Learning Disabilities in Children's and Adolescent Literature: How Are Characters Portrayed?, in Learning Disability Quarterly » Read Now
by Mary Anne Prater. 16 pgs.

Collections: Education, Literature, Psychology, Entire Library
16.

Speaking, Reading, and Writing in Children with Language Learning Disabilities: New Paradigms in Research and Practice » Read Now
by Katharine G. Butler, Elaine R. Silliman. 363 pgs.

Collections: Education, Psychology, Entire Library

The ability to use language in more literate ways has always been a central outcome of education. Today, however, "being literate" requires more than functional literacy, the recognition of printed words as meaningful. It requires the knowledge of how to use language as a tool for analyzing...
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The ability to use language in more literate ways has always been a central outcome of education. Today, however, "being literate" requires more than functional literacy, the recognition of printed words as meaningful. It requires the knowledge of how to use language as a tool for analyzing, synthesizing, and integrating what is heard or read in order to arrive at new interpretations. Specialists in education, cognitive psychology, learning disabilities, communication sciences and disorders, and other fields have studied the language learning problems of school age children from their own perspectives. All have tended to emphasize either the oral language component or phonemic awareness. The major influence of phonemic awareness on learning to read and spell is well-researched, but it is not the only relevant focus for efforts in intervention and instruction. An issue is that applications are usually the products of a single discipline or profession, and few integrate an understanding of phonemic awareness with an understanding of the ways in which oral language comprehension and expression support reading, writing, and spelling. Thus, what we have learned about language remains disconnected from what we have learned about literacy; interrelationships between language and literacy are not appreciated; and educational services for students with language and learning disabilities are fragmented as a result. This unique book, a multidisciplinary collaboration, bridges research, practice, and the development of new technologies. It offers the first comprehensive and integrated overview of the multiple factors involved in language learning from late preschool through post high school that must be considered if problems are to be effectively addressed. Practitioners, researchers, and students professionally concerned with these problems will find the book an invaluable resource.
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