The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has just released a very interesting data set. The group spoke to about 1,200 young adults with difficulties in learning and attention and explored their perspectives on their experiences in school. Some of the findings are not particularly surprising such as the decreased chance of these students to graduate, but there were other findings that really stuck with me.
The report pointed out a lot of the social difficulties these children face. I feel like it's sometimes ignored by parents and educators, but there is a whole host of social struggles that can stem from being a student who struggles. Honestly, this can come from any difference (I've seen students get picked on for their weight, their glasses, their curly hair and a host of other much dumber things) but it may be a much bigger problem for students who also struggle with learning. If they're disconnected from peers, they may not want to show up to class, or they may just become attached to whatever group will take them (even if it's one we'd much rather they avoided). I think it's good to see this spelled out and see the impact it can have on students. As always, it reminds me of the need to be compassionate and think about every aspect of a child's life, not just the area directly impacted by a disability or difficulty.
Check out the full report here.