Question

Discuss learning disabilities. What are some of the complexities associated with designing effective interventions for children with learning disabilities?

Answer 1

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems. These processing problems can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing and/or math. They can also interfere with higher level skills such as organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, long or short term memory and attention.

Swanson points out that we are biased by the publication of only positive outcomes in intervention research (Swanson, 2000). This practice leads to the impression that all treatments work and are equally effective. Unfortunately the fact that an LD intervention is available to the public does not mean that it has been proven or even tested. As well, popularity and even widespread use are not valid indicators of efficacy. In the absence of any formal regulations monitoring the value of available LD treatments, even unsubstantiated treatments can be openly promoted and sold to the public.