Specific Learning Disabilities: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

Conference Paper

2014

Published in: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264899206_Specific_Learning_Disabiliti…

Vaithiamanithi9, Perumal, . 2014

Learning disability is a generic term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities (Hammill, 1990). The term learning disability was first used by Samuel A. Kirk (1963), According to him; SLD refers to retardation, disorder or delayed development in one of more of the process of speech, language, reading, writing or arithmetic resulting from a possible cerebral dysfunction and / or retardation, sensory deprivation or cultural or instructional factors (Szklut & Breath, 2007). Specific Learning disabilities can affect not only academic performance but also the various functions in which the individual is involved. Therefore, occupational therapists assist people with learning disabilities in coping with the effects of the disability on various activities and occupations, such as academic studies, activities of daily living, social participation, play, leisure, work, driving and family life. Moreover, occupational therapists deal with the early identification and prevention of difficulties in functioning and in learning. Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects how easily children acquire written language and how well they use written language to express their thoughts. Occupational Therapists is responsible for identifying underlying motor, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial deficits that may interfere with the development of legible handwriting and for selecting intervention strategies to overcome those deficits (Amundson & Weil, 1996). Occupational Therapists use Remediation, Accommodation & Modification strategies for managing dysgraphia. Commonly used occupational therapy treatment strategies include Perceptual Motor training, motor learning, Cognitive training, Sensory Integrative Therapy training, Biomechanical & neurodevelopmental training.

• Publication Work Type: Conference Publication
• Conference Location: Indore, India
• Conference Name: National Workshop on Specific Learning Disbailities
• Sponsoring Organization: SAIMS Medical College