The term learning disability in itself is somewhat of an understatement and doesn’t quite encompass all that a learning disability is. After all, we all struggle in life with some sort of learning disability. You may not be very good in math, but you are excellent in English and art. Or, you might be able to learn anything; it just takes you a little longer than others. These types of learning disabilities are completely normal, natural and occur in all people in one form or another. Simply because we are not as quick to catch on as others can cause a person to be labeled with a learning disability, even if you are not really disabled in any way. There are many examples of this in life. For instance, people with learning disabilities were often called “dumb” or “retarded.” Later, through scientific reviews, scientists were able to show that the handicapped actually had a lot that they could teach us. Those who were regarded as mentally disabled or retarded were thought to be failures, but we now know that many handicapped children are capable of learning, they just do so at a slower rate and require different teaching techniques.
Science is still working on categorizations for individuals who have learning disabilities. Many are due to mental conditions, while others are physical conditions causing the disability. Mentally handicapped individuals simply have a different way of learning and require different teaching techniques. If appropriate education and teaching techniques are used, the individual will still learn. These individuals can also benefit society in many ways as well these children are actually different than the child we described above. These people are actually living in a completely different world from you and me, one that can be likened to that of a completely different reality, one that is far different from your own.
However, throughout history we have seen individuals with learning disabilities be treated in a cruel and even inhumane manner. Because of this, even modern children today believe that it is okay to treat these children in a similar manner. Throughout history, individuals who are mentally handicapped have been removed from society, placed in institutions, and even beaten or tortured regularly. Granted, this behavior does not occur today, but the negative point of view towards these people still remains and children can often be even crueler to these individuals causing mental anguish for their victim.
There are ways to overcome learning disabilities. One simple tool that can be utilized immediately is to use “self-talk.” Self-talk can help a person discover who they are and what they want to achieve. As the individual works through a problem they can tell themselves the steps that they are working through so that they can focus on the task at hand. Other skills such as observational skills, investigative skills and learning in general at the person’s pace can help them to begin working on their learning curve. Learning and collecting evidence is an effective method of learning. It is also beneficial to learn about the different types of learning methods. Visual, hands-on, auditory and a combination of these are effective methods of learning and you will want to discover the types of learning methods that are easiest for you or the child to learn.