Severe Learning Disabilities
A learning disability is a difference in brain structure that affects an individual's ability to receive, process or express information. As a result, the individual may have difficulty learning to read, write or to do math, despite being of average to above average intelligence. Social skills can also be impacted.
Some signs commonly associated with a learning disability are:
- Inconsistent school performance.
- Poor reading, writing, spelling or arithmetic skills.
- Personal disorganization.
- Failure on written tests, but high score on oral exams.
- Lanuage problems.
- Difficulty following and understanding instructions, unless they are broken down into one or two tasks at a time.
- Poor auditory or visual short-term memory.
Some of these problems can be found in all children at certain stages of development. When a child has a cluster of these symptoms which do not disappear as the child get older, you might suspect a learning disability.
The South Shore Regional School Board employees Severe Learning Disability specialists and a program support workers to work with students with severe learning disabilities. Consultative service is available at all grade levels for students identified as having a learning disability.
More information about the Board's Severe Learning Disabilities Program is available in the program brochure.
