Learning Disorders continued from page 76
type setting. Moreover, a student with Aspergers may become frustrated with a performance studies class that requires the student to portray emotional states using only facial expressions. Students who understand what type of learning disorder they have are more likely to be successful navigating in the classroom. Students and families should do research on their disorders to understand how their brains work differently, what type of learner they are, and therefore understand what strategies will work best. Other aspects that are important to instill in a student with any type of learning disorder are an awareness of strategies that will work and the willingness to advocate for their needs. Students with learning disorders may require accommodations such as extra time on assignments, preferential seating, the use of assistive technology, or a scribe to help them get the information down on paper. Speech and Language
Pathologists can complete assessments; they will help identify the appropriate accommodations and modifications, and assist in developing strategies your student may need. However your son or daughter must become aware of what needs they have and be able to articulate it to teachers so they can successfully complete school work. At times, the most difficult obstacle is the student, as they often will see a need for an accommodation as a weakness. Helping them understand that the use of a scribe for a student diagnosed with Dyslexia or Dysgraphia is not any different than a person who is near sighted using glasses or contacts.The use of strategies in and out of the classroom is an important tool to assist the student with becoming a successful, lifelong learner. Once strategies are identified based on disorders, they must be utilized frequently to become second nature. Utilizing strategies will vary from one student to another depending on the individualized needs of a student. It is very important that the student is an
Your Passion, Our Purpose. Online graduate programs from the Department of Special Education & Communication Disorders Specializations include: Programs include: • Autism/Severe Disabilities • Deaf Education • Vision Impairment • Early Childhood Special Education • Mild/Moderate Disabilities • Special Education Supervision
• Graduate certificates • Teaching endorsements • Master’s degrees • Education specialist degrees Courses offered individually as needed.
online.unl.edu/NESPED SPECIAL EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
78
WINTER 2012 v SouthEast Education Network
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
active participant in developing individualized strategies. The student must see the value in utilizing the developed strategies and believe the outcome will be more positive than the alternative. Strategies for students diagnosed with learning disorders can be simple or they can be very complex. For students with focusing issues, who learn best when they have something to keep their hands busy, they may need some form of manipulative. Some ideas for manipulative devices include, but are not limited to, silly putty, play dough, stress balls, rice bags, etc. Some students find that using a manipulative in the classroom is beneficial because it may reduce anxiety, provide a physical outlet to release nervous tendencies or ticks, and for some it may be a calming effect to assist them in focusing on what is being taught in the classroom. These devices are common strategies and are proven to be effective. When working with students who are easily frustrated or distracted by loud noises or multiple conversations oc-