ms808 learning disabilitites

Upload: charles-holloway

Post on 14-Oct-2015

5 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Case study analysis of the various tests for diagnose sod learning disabilities using WISC III

TRANSCRIPT

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    1/37

    MS808 LEARNING DISABILITITESCASE STUDY #1

    !"#$%&' #)*+,-./#+)0 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 2

    "#$%#& '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' (

    %#.3)+'#' 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 2"#$%$ &'()*)$%#+#' ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, -

    .''4''-4)/ +* 5'6!"+$+3#!.$ /4'/ ,4'7$/' 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 2.. /#+012 3412# 3506"#$%$ 347+#$ ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 8

    )* +,-./ *0 )123 '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 49#1:#22;$ +7?)2# ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, @

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    2/37

    +,-./ *0 G%#F,.- #.F +7%3 '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' H9

    .''4''-4)/ +* %'6$4?#. '6-5/"+-' /+ %'-;#9;/, 11111111111111111111111111111111111111 :@3E(D%7($ 7? CE$2#M)1 NC3V6I/6"SO ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Q@

    3E(D%7( QX S#1')*= 14A)#:#(#*% $50$%1*%)122E 0#27Y *7+(12)Z#' $%1*'1+')Z#' %#$%$ ,,,,,,, Q@3E(D%7( UX 3)=*)?)41*% I*%#+?#+#*4# Y)%A 141'#()4 14A)#:#(#*%$ ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Q@

    +,-./ *0 35/7$$)0)2)%E 7? \#1+)*= 7+ \#1+)*= J+#]5#*4E 97$$ ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, QP

    *7,"4, /4'/' /+

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    3/37

    >1+#*%$ NV1)* 9)1)$7*^ `#E 2

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    4/37

    EVALUATION OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL

    TESTING

    !LMNO&P #QRSTUVWMSQ0Name: JJChronological Age: 11yrs 6 mths

    Mental Age: 12 yrs 4 mths

    Gender: Male

    Grade: Primary 5

    !VXYVW

    As the test dates were not provided in the case study, we assumed that all tests were

    conducted at JJs chronological age so that we can have across the board consistency

    in our evaluation.

    %MVZQSPMP

    /YPWP .OUMQMPWYTYO

    Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III, Slosson Visual Perceptual Skill

    Screener, Slosson Auditory Perceptual Skill Screener, Bragg Phonics Reading Test,

    Schonnel Reading/ Spelling Tests, Salford Sentence Reading Test, Neale Analysis of

    Reading Ability.

    .PPYPPUYQW SR 5P[\LSNSZM\VN /YPW ,YP]NWP

    JJ shows symptoms of both Dyslexia and ADHD but there are no signs of ASD.

    Socially, he may show a devil may care attitude and socially highly tolerant of his

    peers due to:

    a. Issues with auditory processing (he cannot understand what they are saying

    (shown by below cut-off scores in semantic and symbolic orientation);

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    5/37

    b. A limited ability to relate different concepts (shown by below cut-off score in

    pragmatic reasoning).

    !! #$%&'( )*'($ )+&,-$./. )*0%$.VERBAL

    SCALE (3 pts. significant)

    Scaled

    Scores

    Difference from

    Verbal Mean 1

    Qualitative

    Description (based on

    scaled scores)

    Information (I) 6 -3 Extremely Low

    Similarities (S) 11 2 Average

    Arithmetic (A) 9 0 Average

    Vocabulary (Vo) 10 1 Average

    Comprehension (C) 11 2 AverageDigital Span (DS) 7 -2 Low

    PERFORMANCE

    SCALE (4 pts. significant)

    Scaled

    Scores

    Difference from

    Perf. Mean 2

    Qualitative

    Description (based on

    scaled scores)

    Picture Completion (PC) 11 1 Average

    Picture Arrangement (PA) 12 2 Average

    Block Design (BD) 12 2 Average

    Object Assembly (OA) 11 1 Average

    Coding (Cod) 9 -1 Average

    Symbol Search (SS) 8 -2 Average

    Mazes (Mz) 8 -2 Average

    )S 'MZQP SR )9$%

    Test for Non-Verbal Learning Disability (VIQ PIQ >15)

    Comment: Test results suggest that JJ does not show any signs of NVLD,

    Autism or Asperger.

    1

    Verbal Mean is the sum of all tested factors divided by the number of tested factors.2Performance Mean is the sum of all tested factors divided by the number of tested

    factors.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    6/37

    $YVXYNN&P !VWYZSTMYP 5TSRMNY

    Leavells Categories (31) > Cut-off (30):

    Comment: Test results suggest that JJ does not show any signs of Autism or

    Asperger.

    !LY\^ RST .'% ST .P_YTZYT&P '[QOTSUY

    SCV(32) > Cut-off (30):

    BO(23) > Cut-off (20):

    SCV(32)/3 = 10.7:

    BO = 23/2 = 11.5Difference = 0.8 < 1

    Comment: Test results suggest that JJ does not show any signs of Autism or

    Asperger.

    )S 'MZQP SR %[PZTV_LMV

    ADSCodSS(33) < Cut-off (40).

    Comment: ADSCodSS shows no possibility of dysgraphia.

    )S 'MZQP SR %[P_TV`MV

    123)

    COBS (40) < Cut-off (40).

    Comment: COBS shows no possibility of dyspraxia.

    )S 'MZQP SR %[PZTV_LMV

    45)

    ADSCodSS( 33) < Cut-off (40).

    Comment: ADSCodSS shows no possibility of dysgraphia.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    7/37

    5VTWMVN 'MZQP SR .%"%

    67)1,777 8'*/0% 79:;*$.

    FDI (16) < 20) ;

    VCI (38) < Cut-off (40);PSI (17) < Cut-off (20).

    Comment: WSIC-III Factor Indices suggest that JJ has auditory-sequential

    processing deficit with ADHD like symptoms.

    4105)

    ACoDS (25) < Cut-off (40).

    1. Comment: ACoDS Profile suggests that JJ shows signs of attention-

    concentration span deficit, which is one of the symptoms of ADHD.

    475)

    AIDS (22) < Cut-off (30)

    2. Comment: AIDS Profile suggests that JJ shows signs of impulsivity, which is

    one of the symptoms of ADHD.

    45)

    ADS(16) < Cut-off (20).

    3. Comment: ADS Profile suggests that JJ shows signs of distractibility, which is

    one of the symptoms of ADHD.

    #1.? 4175

    VC(38) > ACID(31);PO(46) > ACID(31)

    Comment: VC/PO vs. ACID profile suggests that JJ shows no signs of ADHD.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    8/37

    )S 'MZQP SR )Y]TSNSZM\VN #U_VMTUYQW

    6)71,777 5$>$(0@A$9/'( 79:$B C657D

    WDI (-0.03) < 0.20 (No impairment)

    Comment: WDI suggests that JJ dies not have any sign of neurological

    impairment.

    'MZQP SR %[PNY`MV

    3'99'/E9$F. 1'/$G0%;$. Conceptual (Cpt) [32] > Sequential (Sep) [28]

    Comment: Bannatynes Categories/Profile suggest that there are possibilities

    of classical dyslexia/ Specific Learning Disorder:

    4175 =%0H;($

    ACID (31) < Cut-off (40).

    Comment: ACID Profile suggests that JJ shows signs of SpLD and ADHD.

    )145 =%0H;($

    SCAD (33) < Cut-off (40).

    Comment: SCAD Profile suggests that JJ shows signs of SpLD.

    Cut-off (30);

    Semantic Orientation (27) < Cut-off (30);

    Symbolic Orientation (25) < Cut-off (30);

    Abstract Reasoning (32) > Cut-off (30);

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    9/37

    Pragmatic Reasoning (29) < Cut-off (30);

    Mean Score (29.4) < Cut-off (30).

    Comment: Social Competence Profile suggests that overall JJ should be able

    to communicate in a social setting (borderline mean score). He is likely to be:

    a. Handicapped by his lack of general knowledge (I) when taking to his

    friends (semantic orientation);

    b. A limited ability to respond quickly to auditory questions and may

    display excessive anxiety (symbolic orientation).

    c. His lack of general knowledge (I) will also impede this ability to

    connect the dots (pragmatic reasoning).

    .PPYPPUYQW SR 'YQPST[ 5TS\YPP /YPW ,YP]NWP

    JJ has severe auditory perception issues with some limitations to his visual perception.

    In terms of visual perception, JJ may have difficulties perceiving or locating objects

    within a busy field without getting confused by the background or surrounding

    images (Visual Figure Ground). He has fewer issues with visualizing a complete

    whole when presented with an incomplete picture (Visual Closure).

    In terms of auditory processing, JJ can hear well but is apparently unable to

    understand what he hears. JJ cannot hear well when there are other noises in the

    background (significant age difference in Auditory FigureGround). JJ has severe

    issues in recognizing words when spoken to him (significant age difference in

    Auditory Filtered Words) and he comprehends rhyming words very poorly

    (significant age difference in Auditory Filtered Words).

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    10/37

    'MZQP SR 'YQPST[ 5TS\YPPMQZ #PP]YP

    The Slosson Visual Perception Skill Screener and the Slosson Auditory Perception

    Skill Screener are used to assess the child ability to perceive visual and auditory

    information. Generally recommended for testing children between the ages of 5 and

    10 years. All tests suggest that JJ visual and auditory perception skills issues.

    )(0..09 #;.+'( =$%*$@/;09 )I;(( )*%$$9$%

    Subscales Age Equivalent Difference from

    Chron. Age(11 yrs. 6 mths)

    VisualDiscrimination

    11 yrs. 7 mth + 1 mth

    Visual Figure-

    Ground

    10 yrs. 11 mths -7 mths

    Visual Closure 11 yrs. 4 mths - 2 mths

    )(0..09 4+:;/0%E =$%*$@/;09 )I;(( )*%$$9$%

    Subscales Age Equivalent Difference from

    Chron. Age

    (11 yrs. 6 mths)

    Auditory Figure-

    Ground

    7 yrs. 3 mths -4yrs 3 mths

    Auditory Filtered

    Words

    6 yrs. 0 mths -5yrs 6 mths

    Auditory WordDiscrimination

    9 yrs. 9 mths -1yrs 9 mths

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    11/37

    .PPYPPUYQW SR .\LMYXYUYQW /YPWP ,YP]NWP

    3%'GG =J09;*. K$':;9$.. -$./

    Subscales Raw Score Comments

    Initial Letter

    Sounds

    6/10

    Final Letter Sounds 4/10

    Rhyming Words 4/10

    Non-words(Blending)

    4/10 Reading difficulty

    Readiness Level 1/10 Poor

    Schonel Reading and Spelling Test are graduated normalized tests that provide an

    indication of age group equivalency.

    )*J09$( K$':;9G

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    12/37

    Neale Analysis of Reading Ability is a graduated normalized test that provides an

    indication of age group equivalency.

    L$'($ 49'(E.;. 0H K$':;9G 4&;(;/ESkills Age Equivalent Difference from

    Chron. Age

    (11 yrs. 6 mths)

    Reading Accuracy 9yrs 9 mths -1yrs 9 mths

    Reading Rate 9yrs 2 mths -2yrs 4 mths

    ReadingComprehension

    10yrs 0 mths -1yrs 6 mth

    'MZQP SR ,YVOMQZ VQO '_YNNMQZ #PP]YP

    All the tests suggest that JJ has difficulty in reading and spelling which are classical

    symptoms of Dyslexia.

    +Q;PMWY +aPYTXVWMSQ RTSU !VPY 'W]O[

    JJ is 10 years old (Primary 4) when his parents brought him to see an educational therapist (in

    private practice) about getting him some help. He was about to start the new term at the

    beginning of Primary 5 and his parents worried that he would not be able to cope with the added

    workload. JJ has been in and out of learning support program (LSP) throughout his primary

    school years, but he is still unable to keep up with his peers academically. He is a popular boy at

    an all-boy school, pleasant mannered, teachers praise his efforts and he loves sport.

    JJ's mother once said that JJ was struggling with his homework, and also bringing home-

    unfinished schoolwork. Reading questions, following instructions, and putting his thoughts and

    ideas down onto paper was a real struggle for JJ. Doing homework was a daily battle and could

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    13/37

    take hours; the whole family was beginning to suffer from the effects of this, as there were

    daily arguments.

    JJ really enjoys football, but his coach was always getting at him to concentrate and focus a bit

    more. JJ's confidence and self-esteem were rock bottom, his attitude was why bother I can't

    do it, and so what's the point.

    When JJ saw the educational therapist (in private practice) for the first session, he lacked

    confidence and was unhappy about what the future held for him. Over the following 4 months

    the educational therapist paid particular attention to building up his confidence, working on the

    areas where he was having difficulty - reading, writing, concentration and self - esteem.

    Through the use of specific, targeted, multi-sensory exercises tailored to JJ's requirements and

    with a few exercises to do daily at home, JJ was beginning to show great improvements, and

    was beginning to look forward to the move to high school.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    14/37

    .''4''-4)/ +* .%"% '6-5/"+-' /+ %'-;#9;/,

    To establish the validity of the assessment, all the symptoms shown by JJ should

    conform to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition

    (DSM-IV).

    Diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( Diagnostic and

    statistical manual of mental disorders, 2000).

    A. Either (1) or (2):

    (1) Inattention: six (or more) of the following symptoms ofinattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is

    maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

    (a) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes

    careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities (b)

    often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play

    activities (c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to

    directly (d) often does not follow through on instructions

    and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the

    workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to

    understand instructions) (e) often has difficulty organizing

    tasks and activities (f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctantto engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (suchas schoolwork or homework) (g) often loses things

    necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school

    assignments, pencils, books, or tools) (h) is often easily

    distracted by extraneous stimuli (i) is often forgetful in daily

    activities

    (2) Hyperactivity-impulsivity: six (or more) of the following

    symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6

    months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with

    developmental level:

    Hyperactivity

    (a) Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat (b)

    often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in whichremaining seated is expected (c) often runs about or climbs

    excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in

    adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings

    of restlessness) (d) often has difficulty playing or engaging

    in leisure activities quietly (e) is often "on the go" or often

    acts as if "driven by a motor" (f) often talks excessively

    Impulsivity

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    15/37

    (g) Often blurts out answers before questions have beencompleted (h) often has difficulty awaiting turn (i) often

    interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations

    or games)

    B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that causedimpairment were present before age 7 years.

    C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more

    settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).

    D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment

    in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

    E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course ofa Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other

    Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mentaldisorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative

    Disorders, or a Personality Disorder

    '[U_WSU :0 $V\^ SR *S\]P

    Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork,

    work, or other activities. In football, JJs coach was asking him to concentrate and

    focus more.

    '[U_WSU =0 $V\^ SR *SNNSb;/LTS]ZL

    Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores,

    or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand

    instructions) (homework). JJ was bringing back uncompleted schoolwork.

    '[U_WSU >0 $V\^ SR +TZVQMcVWMSQVN .aMNMW[

    Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (putting thoughts down). Putting

    his thoughts down on paper was a real struggle.

    '[U_WSU 20 $V\^ SR ']PWVMQYO -YQWVN 4RRSTW

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    16/37

    Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental

    effort (such as schoolwork or homework). Doing homework was a daily battle and

    could take hours.

    5VTWMVN PMZQP SR .%"%

    JJ partially meets the DSM-IV-TR requirements for ADHD. Four symptoms have

    been shown. Six symptoms are required to be present under at least two different

    settings. We have only seen limited evidence in the home and at the football field.

    .''4''-4)/ +* %'6$4?#. '6-5/"+-' WS %'-;#9;/,

    '[U_WSUP SR %[PNY`MV B%'-;#9;/,D

    Diagnostic criteria for 315.00 Reading Disorder ( Diagnostic and statistical manual of

    mental disorders, 2000)

    A. Reading achievement, as measured by individually administered

    standardized tests of reading accuracy or comprehension, is substantially

    below that expected given the person's chronological age, measured

    intelligence, and age-appropriate education.

    B. The disturbance in Criterion A significantly interferes with academicachievement or activities of daily living that require reading skills.

    C. If a sensory deficit is present, the reading difficulties are in excess of

    those usually associated with it.

    )EA@/0A NO K$':;9G '*J;$>$A$9/ .+&./'9/;'((E &$(0P 90%A'(;Q$: ./'9:'%:;Q$:

    /$./.

    JJ scored below average on the Bragg Phonics Readiness Test, Schonell Reading

    Test, Salford Sentence Reading Test and Neale Analysis of Reading Ability.

    )EA@/0A RO );G9;H;*'9/ 79/$%H$%$9*$ P;/J '*':$A;* '*J;$>$A$9/.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    17/37

    'MZQP SR %[PNY`MV

    JJ demonstrated gradually declining scores in his school examinations. He also

    struggled with his schoolwork so much so that it interfered with the familys daily

    living activities.

    .TYVP SR !SQ\YTQ

    !SQRNM\WMQZ .PPYPPUYQW SQ 9MP]VN 5YT\Y_WMSQ

    According to the WSIC-III psychological pattern profile, JJs visual perception is

    average but he is below equivalent age on the Slosson Visual Perception Tests (Visual

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    18/37

    Figure Ground) and he has poor Coding (Cod) and Symbol search (SS) scores. Poor

    Cod and SS scores may indicate visual dyslexia (dyseidesia).

    5SPPMaMNMW[ SR "YVTMQZ ST "YVTMQZ *TYd]YQ\[ $SPP

    JJ auditory perception could be due to hearing or frequency loss. This would impair

    his ability to distinguish, discriminate between words and comprehend words

    especially in a noisy environment.

    *7,"4, /4'/' /+

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    19/37

    /YPW RST .%"% B5TSXMPMSQVND

    We need to ascertain whether JJ has ADHD or has induced ADHD-like symptoms

    due to the stress caused by his dysphoneidesia. We would suggest further assessment

    using the following tests only after having confirmed that JJ has all the ADHD

    symptoms according to the DSM-IV-TR.

    -J$ 4//$9/;09 5$H;*;/ 5;.0%:$%. T>'(+'/;09 )*'($ , -J;%: T:;/;09 C455T),UD

    This is a questionnaire, which has a school version (60 items), and a home version (46

    items). This test in conjunction with JJs developmental history, direct observation of

    behavior under different setting, interviews and more specific neuropsychological

    testing, provide a better diagnosis of whether JJ has ADHD (McCarney & Arthaud,

    2004). The teacher or parent can administer this test but the assessment would need to

    be done by an educational psychologist.

    5$>$%$+B )*'($. 0H M$9/'( 5;.0%:$%. CNVVWD

    The test has 111 items and is used to determine if the child is experiencing or is at risk

    of an emotional disorder including ADHD. It is based on DSM-IV categories (Jack A.

    Naglieri, Paul A. LeBuffe, & Steven I. Pfeiffer, 1994). An educational psychologist

    administers and assesses this test.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    20/37

    .PPYPPUYQW SR FF&P 'WTYQZWLP VQO GYV^QYPPYP

    ']UUVT[ SR FF&P #QOMXMO]VN *V\WST 'WTYQZWLP VQO GYV^QYPPYP

    Strengths Difference

    from Mean

    Ability

    a. Similarities (Sim) 2 May be able to do abstract and

    logical thinking.

    b. Comprehension (C) 2 May be able to verbalize well and

    has good source of practical

    information.

    c. Picture Arrangement (PA) 2 May have good planning abilitiesand logical sequential thought

    processes.

    d. Block Design (BD) 2 May have well-developed non-verbal concept formation.

    h. Information (I) -3 May have tendency to give up

    easily.

    i. Digit Span (DS) -2 May have hearing loss and or poor

    auditory sequencing skills.

    j. Symbol Search (SS) -2 May have impulsivity and poor

    visual tracking skills.

    k. Coding (Cod) -1 May have visual-motor co-

    ordination problems and excessive

    anxiety.

    ']UUVT[ SR FF&P !SZQMWMXY .aMNMWMYP

    TB*$(($9/ 109*$@/ 80%A'/;09

    (CF = I (-3) + Sim(2) + Vo(1) + C(2) + PA(2) + BD(2) = 6)

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    21/37

    JJ has good Concept Formation (CF). He is able to develop ideas based on the

    common properties of objects, events, or qualities using the processes of abstraction

    and generalization (The American Heritage medical dictionary, 2007).

    TB*$(($9/ 4&./%'*/ ;9 -J;9I;9G )I;((.

    (AT = DSim(2) + Vo(1) + BD(1) = 5)

    JJ has the ability to use concepts and to make and understand generalizations, such

    as of the properties or pattern shared by a variety of specific items or events (The

    American Heritage medical dictionary, 2007).

    TB/%$A$(E P$'I )J0%/ -$%A M$A0%E

    (STM = A(0) + DS(-2) + Cod(-1) + SS(-2) = -5)

    JJ has poor ability to retain and recall recent events or experiences (The American

    Heritage medical dictionary, 2007) .

    %#.$+3#!'

    !.'4 *+!7'

    The focus should be on helping JJ to overcome his dyslexia, which is likely to be

    dysphoneidesia (dysphonesia comorbid with dyseidesia subtypes). We also need to

    confirm if he has ADHD.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    22/37

    H46 54+5$4 /+ G+,H G#/" FF

    #OYVN 'YW]_ B'WTSQZN[ !S]_NYO 4VTN[ #QWYTXYQWMSQ 'YTXM\Y %YNMXYT[D

    Adapted from Early Intervention Service Delivery Models and Their Impact on

    Children and Families (Harbin & West, 1998).

    4O]\VWMSQVN 5P[\LSNSZMPW B!VPY -VQVZYTD

    The Educational Psychologists would be the person who would co-ordinate and work

    with other team members on helping JJ. He/she would review JJ progress periodically

    and will be the main information center to turn to, for queries from government

    agencies, the school and JJs parents.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    23/37

    The major assumptions made are that JJ is suffering from neither visual nor auditory

    impairments that are the root causes of his dyslexic symptoms.

    5VTYQWP B-VMQ $MVMPSQe HY[ !S;!SSTOMQVWST VQO HY[ 4O]\VWSTD

    As JJs primary caregivers, JJ parents would be the persons responsible for ensuring

    that the educational therapist carries out the recommendations made by the

    educational psychologist and that the educational psychologist does the periodic

    review of JJ. However, they are also JJ main educator and should implement the

    learning and behavioral modification strategies that they have been taught to use by

    the Educational Therapist. JJs parents would also be the main liaison persons

    between the school, government agencies and the educational therapist with the

    educational psychologist. They would also be responsible for collating information

    regarding JJs progress for the educational psychologist to review on a periodic basis.

    4O]\VWMSQVN /LYTV_MPW B-VMQ #U_NYUYQWYTD

    The Educational Therapist would be responsible for implementing the

    recommendations made by the educational psychologist and providing the necessary

    guidance for JJs Parents, Allied Educator and School Teachers. This guidance will be

    relayed to the school via JJs parents. The therapist would also be responsible for

    gathering relevant information on JJ for future review purposes.

    '\LSSN B-VMQ .\VOYUM\ ']__STWD

    The Allied Educator and School Teachers will receive guidance from JJs Educational

    Therapist on the course of action that needs to be taken. Their role would be to

    implement the action plan and provide relevant information for future review

    purposes.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    24/37

    3SXYTQUYQW .ZYQ\MYP B-VMQ 4`WYTQVN .PPMPWVQ\YD

    Government agencies may be providing assistance such as extended time to do exams

    or wavering of the Mother Tongue exam requirements (MOE). JJs parents will act as

    the main liaison person between the educational psychologist and the government

    agencies or VWO such as the Dyslexic Association of Singapore (DAS).

    *7,/"4, #)*+,-./#+) ,4J7,4-4)/'

    5VTYQWP VQO FF

    Adapted from Why EI works (Guralnick, 2011)

    Through interviews with both JJ and his parents, I would use the Guralnick

    framework above to discover information on:

    1. JJs Social and Cognitive Competence.

    2. JJs Parent-Child Transactions.

    3. JJs Family Orchestrated Child Experiences.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    25/37

    4. Evidence of JJs dysphoneidesia and/or onset of ADHD symptoms.

    5. Health and safety aspects provided by the parents.

    4O]\VWMSQVN 5P[\LSNSZMPW VQO 4O]\VWMSQVN /LYTV_MPW

    Adapted from What is LD in Special Needs Education (Chia, 2012).

    I would use chart above developed by Chia (2012) to:

    1. Develop a common understanding of the operating definitions of various LDs

    between the educational therapist and the educational psychologist.

    2. More effectively and clearly, identify the severity and the type of LD affecting

    JJ.

    3. Maintain awareness that a combination of levels results in a syndrome so

    treatment must not mitigate one symptom but gravely increase the severity of

    another.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    26/37

    4. Apply the common knowledge to JJs psychological and sensory assessment

    results.

    5. Review the current treatment, what it is supposed to do and how it has

    benefited JJs progress according to established goals.

    6. Come to a common understanding of whether the treatment was successful

    and prioritize which LD to treat based on severity.

    7. Determine what treatment would benefit the behavioral aspects and what

    treatment would benefit the academic aspects.

    8. This information would then be disseminated to the parents and the school.

    '\LSSN

    Factors determining school readiness to accept children with learning disabilities

    I used a self-developed framework using several sources of information from

    UNICEF (Phillips, 2012), the Australian government project on improving school

    readiness for learning disabled children (Victoria. Dept. of Education and Early

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    27/37

    Childhood Development, 2008) and a comparative study on the impact of impairment

    on children with special needs entering schools in Canada, Australia and Mexico

    (Janus, 2011).

    Using the above framework, I would seek to discover the schools readiness to accept

    children such as JJ by asking some of the following questions:

    1. School Culture:

    a. Professional Collaboration

    i. How good is the professional collaboration between teachers

    and staff?

    ii. How much planning and organizational time is used to plan as

    collective units/ teams for the benefit of students and the

    school?

    b. Affiliative Collegiality

    i.

    How strong is the espirit de corp amongst staff, teachers and

    students?

    ii. Is there a sense of community feeling in the school where each

    school members tries to help each other?

    c. Self-Determination

    i. Are the school members proactive rather than reactive to

    student needs?

    ii. Is there sufficient empowerment?

    iii. Do staff and teachers enjoy working there and choose to be

    there?

    2. School Facilities:

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    28/37

    a. What facilities are available to help JJ overcome his dysphonesia or

    dysphoneidesia if he has dyseidesia as well and/or ADHD?

    3. School Professional Expertise

    a. What professional expertise is available to help JJ overcome his

    dysphonesia or dysphoneidesia and/or ADHD?

    b. Would the teachers/staff be able to administer the treatment regime

    recommended by the educational therapist on the advice of the

    educational psychologist?

    c. How ill they help JJ to cope with his schoolwork?

    d. How will they support JJs parents?

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    29/37

    %MOV\WM\P

    9VTMS]P 5SWYQWMVN +]W\SUYP MQ WLY OMVZQSPMP SR FF&P %[PNY`M\ P[U_WSUP

    *S\]P SQ /TYVWUYQW SR O[P_LSQYMOYPMV1

    We will assume a worst-case scenario such that dysphoneidesia is the diagnosed

    outcome and that ADHD symptoms were a consequence of his dyslexia. We refer to

    the VC/PO vs. ACID that do not indicate that JJ has any ADHD.

    #QWYTXYQWMSQ +afY\WMXYP

    1. JJ to reach academic standards required by a Primary 6 level student in 2

    years.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    30/37

    2. To create an intervention program that can have a high academic content but is

    essentially family driven and managed through the home and school

    environment.

    3. To prevent decay in JJs intervention progress by having therapeutic

    consistency the school to home environments.

    4. Train JJs parents to provide the necessary support to JJ.

    '[U_WSUP SR O[P_LSQYMOYPMV

    1. A dyseidetic child has difficulties in making and immediate sight-sound

    match.

    2. A dysphonetic child may display great difficulty in syllabicating, sounding out

    and blending the sounds together to decode the word.

    .QVN[PMP

    1. JJ needs to be able to pass his PSLE in 2 years time.

    2. JJ is currently performing in English Language at 41% of Primary 4 level. If

    we assume primary 5 level English Language requirement to be 100% and

    Primary 6 English Language requirement to be 200% from Primary 4 level.

    Then JJ who is performing at 41% of Primary 4 English Language Level

    requirement is -159% (March) below Primary 5 English Level requirement.

    "#$%' ( "#$%' )

    *+, -./0 1023 40+ *+, -./0 1023 40+

    5#&607 89(:; 89=; 8()>?; 8(>9; ?)>9; :=>?; 9?@>=; AC; (9>C; (9>C;

    3. He needs an improvement of at least 51% each quarter to meet the intended

    target.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    31/37

    5TS_SPVN

    1. The best way to achieve the target is to incorporate JJ academic requirements

    into his intervention therapy. So rather than focus on using reading material

    and other teaching aides that are disconnected with the MOE syllabus, we will

    use all the textbooks and reading material that will be used in the classroom.

    2. I would recommend specialized software such as the Kurzweil Education

    system (Kurweil Education System, 2012). There are many such different

    software in the market. It is not our purpose to promote this software but to

    demonstrate that the proper use of ICT can lead to a highly effective

    intervention strategy. Appendix 1 contains the research material on this

    software.

    3. The system allows the teacher to conduct a normal class for mixed ability

    students using standard textbooks. JJ would be able to access the textbook

    material through his laptop because the textbook contents can be digitized and

    stored in the software. External noise tat will distract JJ can be minimized

    through him wearing noise cancelling headphones.

    4. As the teacher explains on the board, JJ can follow the lesson through text-to-

    voice and simultaneous word/sentence highlighting. He is able to see the

    words and hear the words with minimal distraction. If he does not understand

    the word, he can access the on-line dictionary. Alternatively, he can review the

    word by clicking on the word to repeat the sound. This would enhance his

    immediate sight-sound abilities.

    5. The role of the Allied Educator would be to support JJ with his classroom

    understanding by empowering him to better use the software and also to

    identify any areas of weakness that may not have been properly covered by the

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    32/37

    software. These weaknesses would be escalated to the educational therapist

    and the educational psychologists for their follow-up.

    6. When JJ comes home, the software can be used to help JJ to do his homework.

    His parents can assist JJ by providing essentially the same support as the

    Allied Educator and his schoolteacher.

    7. The role of the educational therapist and educational psychologist would then

    be to fine-tune and make adjustments in the manner that the software is used.

    They can insert reading material that would specifically target areas of

    weakness.

    !SU_VTMPSQ bMWL G#/"%,.G.$ VQO #)!$.''

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    33/37

    The Achilles heel in any WITHDRAWAL and INCLASS program is that the Allied

    Educator, not being a certified teacher, does not bridge their intervention strategies

    with the class lesson plan. This proposal would avoid that shortcoming.

    Conceptually the proposal meets the WITHDRAWL tasks.

    1. JJ receives individual intervention (WITH).

    2. JJs L&B performance is monitored and intervention provided where

    necessary (DRAW)

    3. There is complete assessment and evaluation of JJs L&B performance.

    Conceptually the proposal meets the INCLASS tasks. The teacher is able to look not

    JJ PLOP using the software. The teacher can also to modify the teaching material for

    JJ specifically to meet his learning requirements. Follow-up assessment can be

    generated through the software where JJ can be individually assigned tasks or short

    tests that will ascertain his development.

    "Sb WLMP _TS_SPVN \V_MWVNMcYP SQ FF&P PWTYQZWLP VQO UMQMUMcYP LMP bYV^QYPPYP

    JJ has excellent concept formation; excellent abstract thinking but is extremely weak

    in short-term memory. The software allows JJ to learn at his own pace whilst helping

    him to decode words almost instantaneously.

    Short-term memory (STM) is made up of Digital Span (DS), Coding (Cod) and

    Symbol Search (SS). The software highlights each word as it is read out. This

    strengthens JJs visual motor coordination (VMC), which is (Cod + SS) as well as his

    Attention (DS + PC).

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    34/37

    Any improvement in Cod and SS will result in improvements in Attention and

    Concentration (Attn), Sequencing of Information (Seq), School like tasks (SLT), as

    well as STM and VMC. There would be spillover improvements on Information (I) as

    his knowledge base expands.

    The advantage of this kind of software is that it can also be used for non-academic

    reading materials so that JJ can develop a good reading habit. Neither is this software

    limited to the learning of English so that it can also be used for JJs mathematics and

    science. This software cannot be used for Chinese Language, as Chinese characters

    are not recognized.

    5YTRSTUVQ\Y 4XVN]VWMSQ

    JJs performance will be evaluated through the class tests and periodic testing by the

    educational psychologist.

    !SQ\N]PMSQ

    JJs is likely to be suffering from dysphoneidesia that suggests that he has both visual

    and auditory-linguistic dyslexia. He has partial symptoms of ADHD, which may have

    been induced by his dyslexia.

    Further tests would need to be carried out to eliminate visual and hearing impairments

    but only for ADHD if interviews with JJ caregivers and teachers provide reliable

    evidence pointing to ADHD. This is to avoid over testing JJ.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    35/37

    We assumed that he only has dysphoneidesia and will help JJ to overcome his

    learning disabilities through the use of ICT, proper family and school support and

    appropriate therapy under the supervision of an educational psychologists and

    direction of an educational therapist.

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    36/37

    Ronald P. Colarusso, & Donald D. Hammill. (2012). Motor-Free Visual Perception

    Test, Third Edition (MVPT-3). Western Psychological Services. Retrieved

    fromhttp://portal.wpspublish.com/portal/page?_pageid=53,69183&_dad=porta

    l&_schema=PORTAL

    The American Heritage medical dictionary. (2007). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

    Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/book/hmmedicaldict

    Victoria. Dept. of Education and Early Childhood Development. (2008). Blueprint for

    early childhood development and school reform early childhood development,discussion paper.Melbourne: Dept. of Education and Early Childhood

    Development. Retrieved from

    http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/commrel/policy/Blueprint20

    08/bp_ecdevelopment.pdf

    .__YQOM` :

    H]TcbYMN 4O]\VWMSQ '[PWYUP "MZL 'WV^YP /YPWMQZ

    '\MYQWMRM\VNN[;III

  • 5/24/2018 Ms808 Learning Disabilitites

    37/37

    .__YQOM` =

    FF G'#!; ### /YPW ,YP]NWP