This fact sheet provides a definition of learning disability (LD) in adults; a list of common elements found in many useful LD definitions; and a list of areas in which LD may affect life situations of adults. The background of the concept of "learning disability" is briefly reviewed, followed by the definition of the Interagency…

The Differential Ability Scales (DAS) was created to provide practitioners with an alternative instrument that may be as effective as WISC-III in picking up specific patterns of learning difficulties. Useful features and differences in the administration strategy of DAS are reviewed. DAS provides extended age ranges and out-of-level testing,…

The relationship of reading comprehension accuracy and a contingently administered token reinforcement program used with an elementary level learning disabled student in the classroom was examined. The S earned points for each correct answer made after oral reading sessions. At the conclusion of the class he could exchange his points for rewards.…

The Boehm Test of Basic Concepts (BTBC) (Boehm, 1971) was administered to 99 children (ages 7-10) who had been diagnosed as learning disabled and attended special schools in the New York area. It was hypothesized that the learning disabled children would exhibit a delay in the acquisition of the basic concepts, but would display a similar order of…

The effects of two data-utilization rules on spelling achievement were compared for an 11-year-old boy who had been diagnosed as learning disabled (LD). During instructional sessions, the boy was taught and measured on sets of difficult spelling words. Graphed data were analyzed using a concurrent schedule design whereby equivalent behaviors are…

Difficulties inherent in the dual classification of gifted and learning disabled are analyzed, and research on the issue is reviewed. The Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Model is used to identify problems in service provision for gifted/learning disabled students. Areas of concern are listed and then expanded by using the five steps of the CPS…

A professor involved in the HELDS project (Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students) discusses changes in a psychology course on courtship and marriage to accommodate LD students. Requirements, assignments, and expectations are outlined for in-class as well as out-of-class activities. The course, it is explained, focuses on information,…

An educator involved with the Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students (HELDS) project discusses modifications made by faculty for LD students. Changes are reviewed for traditional lecture courses, seminars, methods, courses, practica, and teacher education tests. Examples of problems exhibited by LD students are described (reading…

Reviewed is research which has investigated failure in auditory processing as a cause of language and learning disorders (including defective articulation, aphasia, dyslexia, and specific learning disability) in children and adults. (Author/LS)

The effects of a systematic study period, peer tutoring, and contractual consequences on the spelling performance of six junior high learning disabled students were investigated. Ss were scoring poorly or inconsistently on unit spelling tests. An intervention period of 2 to 4 weeks consisted of daily exposure to words through a peer tutor and…

The paper examines the social aspects of learning disabilities (LD) in adults, noting the role of the early imprinting process which may influence them throughout their lives. It is noted that LD adults have missed learning social skills that involve a sensitivity to subtlety, an awareness of voice tones, and a realization of time and other…

Reflections on the meaning and uses of science and observations about its implications in the study of learning disabilities are offered in this paper. The distinction between science and technology is examined and difficulties with society's absorption in pseudoscience or in science that has been oversimplified are discussed. The field of left…

An experiment involving 30 sixth graders with learning disabilities in mathematics tested the hypothesis that participation in goal setting enhances achievement outcomes. Ss received subtraction training that included instruction and practice opportunities over several sessions. Some Ss set proximal performance goals each session, others had goals…

The paper describes strategies for remediating mathematics difficulties (particularly the process of regrouping or "borrowing" in whole number subtraction) in children. Three interrelated aspects of the process (the meaning of subtraction, understanding of non-standard numerals, and the function of the subtraction algorithm), are considered. The…