Students with Learning Disabilities

1. Students with Learning Disabilities Medical Aspects

2. Neurology and Learning Disabilities • All learning occurs in the brain facilitated by the nervous system • Theory that minimal disorders or abnormalities in the nervous system result in learning problems • Neurology is the medical specialty that focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system

3. Central Nervous System • Basic unit is nerve cell or neuron • Each neuron has cell body, axon, and dendrites • Nerve impulses are conducted from one nerve cell to another across the synapse through the action of chemicals called neurotransmitters

4. The Brain • Three major parts • Brain stem • Oldest, most primitive part of the brain • Cerebellum • Receives and integrates sensory input to coordinate voluntary muscle system • Cerebrum • Largest part, controls conscious functioning of the nervous system

5. The Brain Stem • Medulla oblongata • Coordinates heart and respiration rates and other reflexive, life-sustaining operations • Pons • Associated with sensory input and motor outflow to the face • Midbrain • Controls eye movement, state of brain wakefulness and possibly attention • Diencephalon • Relay between brain stem and rest of brain, integrates all sensory systems except smell

6. Cerebrum • Right and left hemisphere connected by the corpus callosum • Each hemisphere has four major regions: temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital lobes • Surface of lobes is the cerebral cortex • Hemispheres appear to function cross laterally

7. Neurodiagnostic Technology • EEG • BEAM • CAT • PET • MRI

8. Etiological Perspectives • Acquired Trauma • Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal • Genetic/Hereditary Influences • Chromosomal abnormalities, twin studies • Environmental Influences • Exposure to substances • Biochemical Abnormalities • Imbalance in production of neurotransmitters

9. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • DSM-IV diagnosis • Suspected biochemical etiology, other theories emerging • Most common psychiatric syndrome in children • Overall population prevalence low, extremely high among children with learning disabilities • ADHD as Other Health Impairment under IDEA

10. Approaches to Treatment • Stimulant medication • Behavior management • Content mastery classes • Cooperative learning • Peer tutoring • Home-school coordination • Specialized instruction

11. Pediatric Neurologist and Neurological Exam • Standard neurological exam includes: • Medical history • Current health status • Examination of cranial nerves • Test of body sensation • Motor skill assessment • Evaluation of deep tendon reflexes • Assessment of higher processes

12. Hearing • Sense of hearing is crucial for learning and language development • Otologist • Medical doctor specializing in care and prevention of damage to ear • Audiologist • Non-medical specialist who assesses extent of hearing loss and appropriate prosthetic devices

13. Vision • Classroom tasks rely heavily on eyesight • Ophthalmologist • Medical doctor specializing in care and cure of diseases related to the eye • Optometrist • Can prescribe lenses and treat functional aspects of vision