Types of Learning Disorders

A. Introduction. Nevid (2002) suggests that learning disorders tend to be clinical disorders affecting learning development. Children with these disorders often perform poorly in reading, arithmetic, or writing abilities, which can hinder their schooling and daily functional activities. In DSM III-R, reading disorder was classified as a specific disorder, namely one that interferes with academic skills, whereas in DSM IV, achievement due to learning disorders affects a child's academic success. B. Types of Learning Disorders. Kaplan (2002) describes learning disorders as follows: 1. Reading Disorder. Reading disorder is characterized by impaired ability to recognize words, slow and inaccurate reading, and poor comprehension, without the presence of low intelligence or significant sensory deficits. 2. Mathematics Disorder. Mathematics disorder is essentially an inability to perform arithmetic skills expected for a child's intellectual capacity and educational level. 3. Disorder of Written Expression. This disorder is characterized by writing skills significantly below the level expected for the child's age. According to Nevid (2002), there are several types of disorders: a. Mathematics Disorder. Children with this disorder have problems understanding basic mathematical terms or learning operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and mathematical symbols. b. Writing Disorder. Children with this disorder have limitations in writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and difficulty understanding sentences and paragraphs. c. Reading Disorder. Children with this disorder have poor skill development in recognizing words and comprehending text. C. Intervention. Intervention is about stepping in to help individuals solve their problems. To address children experiencing learning disorders, the following interventions can be implemented (Lyon and Moats in Nevid, 2002): 1. Psychoeducational Model. Modifying the teaching system according to the child's learning characteristics. 2. Behavioral Model. Building a child's basic skills and behaviors. 3. Medical Model. Training with stimuli. 4. Neuropsychological Model. Modifying and adapting educational programs according to the child's needs. 5. Linguistic Model. Teaching language skills gradually, helping to grasp word structure and usage. 6. Cognitive Model. Helping children recognize the nature of learning and their tasks, applying strategies to solve tasks, monitoring the child's progress, especially the success in applying strategies used by the child to solve their tasks, and conducting evaluations. d. References: Kaplan, Harold I., Sadock, Benjamin J, Grebb, Jack A. (2002). Synopsis of Psychiatry: Clinical Psychiatric Science. Jakarta: Binarupa Aksara. Nevid, Jeffrey S., Rathus, Spencer A., Greene, Beverly. (2002). Abnormal Psychology Volume Two, Fifth Edition. Jakarta: Erlangga. source: http://tyaset4.blog.com/2010/02/gangguan-belajar/