Caused by an abnormality on chromosome 15, this syndrome is congenital and is generally physically characterised by obesity, narrow-shaped eyes, small stature, and small hands and feet. Symptoms such as decreased muscle tone and delayed motor development are also associated with the syndrome. It ought to be remembered that each student with Prader-Willi syndrome is […]
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is, in my book, a red flag. It is an indication that there is something else going on. I have never… seen a kid that meets criteria for ODD and did not meet criteria for some other diagnosis. It is as if the oppositional and defiant behavior is a coping strategy for […]
A student with a moderate general learning disability is likely to display significant delay in reaching developmental milestones. These students may have impaired development and learning ability in respect of basic literacy and numeracy, language and communication, mobility and leisure skills, motor co-ordination and social and personal development. Many students with moderate general learning disabilities […]
Students with Mild General Learning Difficulties (MGLD) have significantly below-average general intellectual functioning (Griffin & Shevlin 2011; NCSE 2014; Westwood 2015). This is reflected in a slow rate of maturation, reduced learning capacity and inadequate social adjustment. MGLD may also manifest itself in delayed conceptual development, difficulties in expressing ideas and feelings in words, a […]
Some students have global language disorder and experience difficulties with both receptive and expressive language. Global language disorders affect both the understanding and use of language. Strategies for Learning and Teaching Teach an understanding of words and concepts through the use of actual objects and progress from the concrete to the abstract. Consistently check understanding. […]
Does your child get into trouble in class? Are trips to the principal’s office common but unproductive? If so, you might be curious about new ways to address your child’s behavior. It may be time to ask the school to conduct a functional assessment, also known as a functional behavior assessment (FBA). What a Functional […]
Students with an expressive language disorder have problems using oral language or talking. The student’s understanding of language is likely to outstrip his/her ability to communicate with the spoken word. There may be a reticence to talk and students may resort to pointing or gesturing to get their message across. Expressive language may lack variation […]
Educational therapy is a general term for when an educator works one-on-one or in small groups with your child, usually outside the classroom. This can cover a lot. It could mean reading interventions, math interventions, life skills, specialist therapies, a counselor, a teacher who helps children learn study and organization skills. If educational therapy sounds […]
Dyslexia affects the learning process in relation to reading, writing and speaking, such difficulties being disproportionate to the student’s other academic abilities. Dyslexia is indicated by a mismatch between an individual’s assessed ability and his/her attainments in literacy-related areas. Dyslexia may affect the development of the student’s ability to remember in sequence what is seen […]
Dysgraphia affects a student’s ability to write coherently, regardless of their ability to read. Types identified include: Type 1: dyslexia dysgraphia where written work that is created spontaneously is illegible, copied work is good and spelling is poor. A student with dyslexia dysgraphia does not necessarily have dyslexia. Type 2: motor dysgraphia where the condition may be caused by […]
