1. Chapter One
Learning Disabilities: Definitions, Characteristics, and Current Directions

2. Definitions of Learning Disabilities
Federal Definition: IDEA
Psychological Processing Disorder
Difficulty in Learning
Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities (ICLD) Definition
Social Skills Disorders
National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) Definition
Intrinsic to the Individual
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3. Common Elements in the Definitions
Central Nervous System Dysfunction
Uneven Growth Pattern/Psychological processing Deficits
Discrepancy Between Potential and Achievement
Exclusion of Other Causes
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4. Characteristics of Learning Disabilities (cont’d)
Disorders of attention
Poor motor abilities
Psychological processing deficits
Lack of phonological awareness
Poor cognitive strategies for learning
Oral language difficulties
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5. Characteristics of Learning Disabilities (cont.)
Reading difficulties
Writing difficulties
Mathematics difficulties
Social skills difficulties
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6. Characteristics at Different Age Levels
Preschool children
Elementary-age children
Secondary students
Adults
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7. Ages That Children with Learning Disabilities are Identified
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8. Percent of Students with Learning Disabilities
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9. Composition of Students with Disabilities
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10. Major Phases in the Field of Learning Disabilities
Foundation phase: 1800 –1930 Brain Research
Transition phase: Clinical Study of Children
Integration phase: School Programs
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11. Timeline: Phase in the Field of Learning Disabilities
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12. Example of Visual Perception
Source: Illustrations by W.E. Hill in Puck, 1915.
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13. Changes in Terminology
Brain-injured child 1947
Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD)
Learning Disabilities
1947. Alfred Strauss
1966. Peter Clements Dept of HEW
1963. Samuel Kirk
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14. Some Current Directions
Standards-based Education
High Stakes Testing
Inclusion Practices
Cultural & Linguistic Diversity
Computer Technology
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15. Special Education Laws
1975
Education for All Handicapped Children Act PL
1990
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act PL
1997
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 PL
2004
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act PL
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