In recent years, Guilford has become known for its ability to accommodate students with nearly every classified and, in some cases, unclassified learning difference (LD’s). They range from the ever – popular punch line of ADD/ADHD, to obscure and rare disorders like dysathria, a disorder of the speech muscles that affects the ability to pronounce words.
About 30 percent of the student population at Guilford College has a classified learning difference, and another five percent of students are estimated to have undocumented LD’s. However, many people here still do not know about LD’.s or even what a learning difference is, and many people have prejudices towards people with LD’s.
The Learning Disabilities Association of America defines a learning difference (L.D) as “a disorder to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information between different parts of the brain.
“These limitations can show up in many ways including: specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to schoolwork and can impede learning to read write or do math.”
Although no one is really sure what causes learning differences, the most commonly accepted theory is LD’s are caused by chemical disruption in the brain during childhood development.
Though there are hundreds of learning differences, the five most common on the Guilford campus are:1. ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Characteristics of this disorder include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms include short attention span and difficulty following directions, forgetfulness, fidgeting of hands and feet while seated, excessive talking, and not listening to others.
2. Dyslexia
This disorder impairs the ability to deal with language, such as speaking, reading, spelling and writing. A dyslexic may see letters, syllables or words upside down, reversed, blurred, backwards or otherwise distorted.
3. Dysgraphia
This LD results in difficulty in producing legible handwriting with age-appropriate speed.
4. Dyscalcula
This produces difficulty in understanding or using mathematical symbols or functions. A child with dyscalculia may be able to read and write but have difficulty performing mathematical calculations.
5. Asperger’s Syndrome
A person with Asperger’s demonstrates a variety of characteristics including awkwardness in social situations and inability to catch onto social cues. They have difficulty coping with change and specific subjects, such as flags of the world, often preoccupy their minds. They are overly sensitive to tastes, sights, sounds and smells.
It is important that people with LD’s know that it is not their fault. There is no shame in having a learning difference. You’re not stupid; your brain is just wired differently.
Anyone who suspects they may have an LD should contact Kim Sellick, Guilford’s Alternative Learning Specialist, at the Academic Skills Center to arrange testing at UNCG. Other resources on campus include the LD Support Group, headed by Rebecca Muller (x3203).