Living With Learning Disability: A Guide for Students (COPING WITH MODERN ISSUES)

Hall, David E.

ISBN 10: 0822500361 ISBN 13: 9780822500360

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 1994

Synopsis

Describes various learning disabilities, such as attention deficit disorder, fine motor problems, and difficulties with visual information, and offers positive advice on how to cope.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 4-6-Yet another book in the growing collection of materials written about and for children with learning differences. Hall succinctly defines learning disabilities with a good sports analogy: how one can play basketball and yet not baseball. He describes the characteristics of various types of disabilities, and then, rather than telling what teachers can do to help children, explains what young people themselves might do, especially regarding their attitudes. He then gives some general advice for coping with a disability. Hall stresses that not all things work for all people, including medicine. He does not offer as many helpful suggestions as Gary Fisher and Rhoda Cummings's The Survival Guide for Kids with LD (Free Spirit, 1990), and is not as detailed as Jacqueline L. Harris's Learning Disorders (21st Century, 1993). Sentences are short and precise, making Living with Learning Disabilities easier to read than a book with more information. It is an effective introduction for children and adults just facing questions related to what a learning disability is and what to do about it.
Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Addressing himself to young people like the patients he advises (and suggesting that if his simple text is too difficult, a parent can share it aloud), a pediatrician discusses the nature of learning disabilities, describes the several types, offers specific strategies for compensation and remediation, and issues a sympathetic but no-nonsense pep-talk: a good attitude and self- esteem are all-important; gains can be made, but there will be difficulties, and perseverance is essential. The emotional problems arising from the real frustrations of being learning disabled are beyond the scope of this clear, well-organized book; though Hall refers to them, he focuses on success stories and positive steps to be taken by student, parent, or professional. A useful, sensible, and straightforward book, with attractive format suiting it for use through high school. Glossary; further reading (including some middle-grade fiction); resources; index. (Nonfiction. 9+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Gr. 5-8. Although its format is much less appealing than Fisher and Cummings' Survival Guide for Kids with LD (1990), this is still a useful book to have on hand. Written by a pediatrician, it's a combination of background information and coping strategies. After explaining briefly what learning disabilities are not (not psychological problems or mental retardation, etc.), Hall examines in straightforward, easy-to-understand fashion what they are and what causes them, and he sets down the main characteristics of several of the more common types. He makes it clear there are no quick fixes--hard work is a must, and medication may or may not help--but he still manages to be encouraging, supplying not only specific learning strategies, but also some wise words on keeping a positive attitude. A book that answers some important questions without overwhelming readers in detail or sugar-coating the facts. Stephanie Zvirin

Edition details

• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0822500361
• ISBN 13: 9780822500360
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64