Learning Disability Case Study

A psychological assessment is a fundamental aspect in measuring intellectual disabilities (Drew & Hardman, 2007). Information provided from partaking in an assessment includes severity of the disability and an understanding of the individual’s limitations as a result of the disability (Drew & Hardman, 2007). Knowledge of these elements, as explained by Drew and Hardman, aid in determining the necessary supports required by the individual to help them cope with the disability. It is important that the assessment measures both cognitive and adaptive aspects of an individual’s functioning because, “Mental retardation is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills” (Drew & Hardman, 2007, p. 19). Once an assessment of these areas has been completed an individual may be identified as having an intellectual disability.

Information discovered by the assessment may lead parents to feel a sense of relief knowing the reason behind their child’s struggles (Lerner & Johns, 2012). With an identification the information collected from the assessment helps professionals provide better care and support to the child and their family (Drew & Hardman, 2007). Identification also leads to increased legal rights of a child for special education and access to essential supports and services (Lerner & Johns, 2012). Unfortunately, the results for an assessment may not be completely accurate, nor fully capture the child’s true performance capabilities (Drew & Hardman, 2007). Also, a diagnosis entails a label and Lerner and Johns (2012), explain that such labels can harmful for children. This diagnostic la...

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...are or after their death. This planning will ensure that the child will be prepared for a life without parents to fall back on for support.

Works Cited

Drew, C., & Hardman, M. (2007). Intellectual Disabilities Across the Lifespan (9th ed). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson.

Hallahan, D. P., Kauffman, J. M., McIntyre, L. J., & Mykota, D. (2010). Exceptional learners: An Introduction to special education. Canadian Edition. Toronto, ON: Pearson Education.

Harwell, J., & William Jackson, R. (2008). The Complete Learning Disabilities Handbook: Ready-to-Use Strategies & Activities for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA.: Jossey-Bass.

Lerner, J. W, & Johns, B. H. (2012). Learning disabilities and related mild disabilities: teaching strategies and new directions (12th ed.). USA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.