QUICK RESOURCE SHEET #36

Learning disorders / Special needs
 
 
 
When one of our students struggles to learn English, it’s easy to think the problem is due to insufficient 
motivation, poor study habits, or perhaps big differences between English and the student’s mother tongue. 
But there is the possibility of an undetected or undiagnosed learning disorder. 
 
Perhaps you know you have a student with a specific learning disability, but your institution has inadequate
resources to provide the student with extra support. Some experts estimate that up to twenty percent of 
students require special educational help at some point during their school careers. 
 
Today’s links survey web-based resources for the educator seeking more information on the range of 
disorders which can impede learning.
 
 
http://www.geocities.com/sen_resources/mainindex.html
 
This comprehensive site gives descriptions of a wide range of conditions, grouped into the following categories:
· General Learning Difficulties
· Specific Learning Difficulties
· Speech and Language Disorders
· Cognitive Disorders
· Motor Function Disorders
· Behavioral Difficulties
· Sensory Impairments
Everything from Attention Deficit Disorder to Dyslexia is explained in detail. A resource page includes a number of downloadable board
 games and worksheets, good for students with or without special needs.
 
 
http://www.ldonline.org/
 
This monthly newsletter features “the latest news, perspectives, and in-depth articles on learning disabilities.” The LD OnLine Report highlights
a different learning disorder in each issue with a range of stories to give a fuller picture of the impact of the disorder. The newsletter includes 
an advice column and links to other sites with activities and games for children.
 
 
http://www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d72.html
 
“Helping Children Overcome Reading Difficulties” examines the question: What do we know about problem readers that will help us guide 
them?
 
 
http://www.ehow.com/how_11468_help-teenager-with.html
 
This article is targeted at parents of teenagers with learning disabilities, but should provide practical guidance for teachers facing similar 
challenges.
 
 
http://www.ld.org/research/osep_at_risk.cfm
 
http://www.cal.org/resources/digest/0108ortiz.html
 
 
“What do we know about effective teaching practices for English-language learners with disabilities or those at risk for school failure in 
the elementary and middle school grades (K-8)?” The two articles whose links appear above highlight effective practices for teaching 
English-language learners with learning disabilities.