research

In the United States, the term “learning disability” means a disorder in one or more of the basic processes involved in understanding spoken or written language. Put another way, it impedes the ability to store, process or produce information. It may show up as a problem in a person's ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do math, despite at least average intelligence.

The term “learning disabled” does not refer to people who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing or physical handicaps, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.
Learning disabilities can occur with or without problems in attention.

Resources:
Learning Disorders Online
Medline Plus
Behavior Consultant.com

Purpose of Study:

To determine the socioeconomic factors underlying the incidence of learning disorders among boys of low SES and ethnic minority.

Hypothesis:

1) The incidence of learning disorders among ethnic minority boys is greater than that for girls of the same ethnic minority.

2) Children of low income and single parent households are more likely to be diagnosed with a learning disorder or with ADD.

Results and Conclusions:

1) Boys are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADD or a learning disorder than girls.

2) Boys were 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with both a learning disorder and ADD than girls.

3) There were significant differences between ethnic groups of the same socioeconomic standing. With Hispanic children being 4 times more likely to being diagnosed than white children.

4) Children of single parent low-income families are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD or a learning disorder. But are less likely to get treatment due to lack of health insurance.

How can we solve this problem?

1.) Many of the ethnic minority cases for LD and ADD may in part be due to a lack of communication. A stronger teacher-student relationship among ESL children is necessary to prevent misdiagnosis.

2.) Children with LD or ADD are advised to be enrolled in IEP or Individualized Education Programs.

3.) Misdiagnosis or a lack of diagnosis among female students is prevalent; hence teachers need to be informed that ADD and LD are not uncommon among girls.