Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Common Characteristics in Individuals with Learning Disabilities

Reading and spelling problems.
Weak oral language including:
Inability to tell a joke
Inability to understand cause and effect.
Unable to respond to explanations given in language i.e., they learn better when shown.
Weak reading comprehension - inability to recall what they have read
Need to re-ask questions that have already been answered
Unable to grasp the main idea or inferences from TV shows although they may get a few details
Inability to abstract - missing the point and taking information literally
Weak expressive language including: inability to express themselves; lack the ability to gesture; may be verbal but their verbalisations are scattered and difficult to follow (ramble on without getting to the point)
Weak writing skills - poor organisation, unfocused, sees only parts and not the whole
Messy handwriting/avoidance of written tasks
Delayed speech or language
Poor organisational skills in daily living
Loses attention quickly in conversations or lectures
Poor concentration - easily distracted or fatigued
Impulsivity
Weak auditory memory and poor at following directions
Difficulty remembering multiplication tables or other rote memory tasks
Difficulties with mental arithmetic
Poor self-esteem/lack of confidence
Depression/mood changes
Weak sense of time - immediate and historic
Weak sense of direction
Confusion with right and left
Poor at judging size and distance
Behavioural problems - acting out/withdrawing
Poor sequencing ability - difficulty ordering information, not knowing where to start solving a problem and/or not knowing where, when or how to ask for help
Confusion when presented with multiple pieces of information
Misinterprets actions or intentions of others
Slow in processing information - slow reaction time, takes a long time reading, writing, talking, thinking
Lack of changes in facial expression - does not show emotion
Perseverates - repetitive, resists changes in routines
Poor coordination - gross and fine motor
Poor peer relationships - difficulty relating in interpersonal relationships; has few friends; often in fights
Difficulty making decisions
All individuals exhibit some of these behaviours at some stage. The presence of one or two may not be significant, but a cluster of these behaviours requires further assessment.

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