What is learning disability approach?

Learning Disability Approach

The learning disability approach to emotional disturbance emerged in the 1960s as an alternative to the medical model of mental illness. This approach emphasises the role of cognitive and academic deficits in emotional disturbance. It is based on the idea that emotional and behavioural problems are caused by underlying learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Proponents of this approach believe that these learning disabilities can interfere with a child's ability to succeed in school and develop healthy relationships.

The learning disability approach has been criticised for several reasons. First, it is too narrow in scope. It focuses on cognitive and academic deficits, but ignores other important factors that can contribute to emotional disturbance, such as poverty, trauma, and family problems. Second, the approach is based on the assumption that learning disabilities are the cause of emotional disturbance, but there is no research to support this claim. Finally, the approach has been criticised for leading to the overdiagnosis of learning disabilities.

Despite these criticisms, the learning disability approach has made some important contributions to the field of emotional disturbance. It has raised awareness of the role of cognitive and academic deficits in emotional disturbance, and it has led to the development of new educational interventions for children with emotional and behavioural problems.

Here are some of the key principles of the learning disability approach:

* Emotional and behavioural problems are caused by underlying learning disabilities.

* Learning disabilities can interfere with a child's ability to succeed in school and develop healthy relationships.

* Children with emotional and behavioural problems should be assessed for learning disabilities.

* Educational interventions for children with emotional and behavioural problems should address their learning disabilities.

Strengths of the Learning Disability Approach

* Provides a clear and specific explanation for emotional disturbance.

* Offers a framework for understanding the relationship between learning disabilities and emotional disturbance.

* Has led to the development of effective educational interventions for children with emotional and behavioural problems.

Weaknesses of the Learning Disability Approach

* Too narrow in scope. Ignores other important factors that can contribute to emotional disturbance, such as poverty, trauma, and family problems.

* Based on the assumption that learning disabilities are the cause of emotional disturbance, but there is no research to support this claim.

* Has led to the overdiagnosis of learning disabilities.