May 23

The main focus of this week’s class was group work centered on the Misunderstood Minds video series.  My group (Sherry, Farnoush and I) were tasked with reviewing chapter 1, 6 and 7.  The videos brought to mind the importance of early detection of learning disabilities and appropriate/effective interventions.

We saw how learning disabilities can be difficult to detect/diagnose, especially in younger children.  At times children suffer from a learning disability, but can excel and be exceptional in most areas of learning.  Nathan from the first video was a very bright young man who was very successful and bright, but had a lot of trouble learning to read (even recognising the alphabet).  This speaks to the stigma associated with learning disabilities and the fact most people see those with learning disabilities as “stupid”.  Here was a very smart young man who could not read.

In the later videos we saw how students with learning disabilities were likely to struggle and disengage with school.  This often leads to problems with truancy as well as alcohol and drug problems.  Trying for many years and being continually unsuccessful naturally leads students to want to give up and quit school.  It is sad how long it can take to diagnose learning disabilities and get students the supports they need.