dr. maggie mamen psychologist pd presentation ocdsb february 2013 understanding and supporting...
TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Maggie Mamen Psychologist
PD presentation OCDSBFebruary 2013
UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH NONVERBAL LEARNING DISABILITIES
UnderstandinUnderstandingg
PredictionPrediction
ManagementManagement
DIAGNOSIS OF LEARNING DISABILITIES
Thinking/reasoning skills at least average
Measurable learning impairmentsOr grade-appropriate but with ++ help
Deficits in psychological processes related to learning impairmentsLanguage/auditory processing deficitsNonverbal difficulties; pattern recognitionMemory/attention problemsExecutive functioning
Life-long - affect academics, workplace, relationships …
ISSUES SPECIFIC TO NLD
1. Language strengths and weaknesses
2. Pattern recognition
3. Ability to visualize
LANGUAGE STRENGTHS
vocabulary acquisition of factual
information listening memory
immediate, short- and long-term verbal reasoning
abstract, applied rule-based rote learning
LANGUAGE WEAKNESSES
“concrete” language/face value humour, sarcasm, irony, analogies …
pragmatic language conversational skills appropriate tone, vocabulary when enough is enough
nonverbal communication tone, gestures, body language, facial expressions …
PATTERN RECOGNITION
major function of the central nervous system
primal need for survival, safety
auditory/verbal visual/spatial fine/gross motor behavioural/social patterns
VISUAL/SPATIAL PATTERNS
ability to process simultaneous information
facial recognition, attachment, socialization
recognition of danger …mobility, directionalitybody language, gesture, facial
expressionsprediction of emotion, reactionpersonal space, social distancesense of time, quantity, speed
GROSS/FINE MOTOR PATTERNSbalance, coordinationself in space, orientation,
directionality“body memories”sports …
individual versus teamgame “patterns”
dexterity, handwritingrelationship to visual system,
memory
VISUALIZATION
Pastshort- and long-term visual memory,
“mind’s eye,” learning from past experience
Presentcreating pictures in the mind to accompany
words, back-up for auditory memory
Futureforeseeing , predicting situations,
imagining
?
PREDICTABLE ACADEMIC PROBLEMS
Math and math-based subjects– concepts, relationships among numbers,
time, measurement, geometry, word problems …
Language-based subjects– nuance, between-the-lines, “voice,” intent,
humour, irony, inference, character issues, imagination …
Charts, maps, graphs …Projects/tests
– “shape,” time management, extracting relevant information, paraphrasing, when enough is enough, keyboarding/software skills
TEACHING ESSENTIALS
THE FOUR Rs
Rule-basedRepetitionRote Routines
MORE RULES OF THUMB
PROVIDE “pictures”BRIDGE verbal/nonverbalSMART goals
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
SUPPORT for organizational skillsnot innate, recognizing personality issues …
SIMPLE choices, consistent follow-through
TRANSITION to independent learningdo, direct, teach, encourage, supervise,
delegate
CONTACT INFORMATIONDr. Maggie Mamen
Centrepointe Professional Serviceswww.centrepointepros.com98 Centrepointe Drive [email protected], ON Telephone: (613) 228-1174 x
28K2G 6B1 Fax: (613) 228-2756
Publications:Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities:A Common-sense Guide for Parents and Professionals; Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007Available as e-book, on Amazon, or from above addressThe Pampered Child Syndrome; Creative Bound, 2004; Jessica Kingsley 2006Available as e-book, on Amazon, or from above addressWho’s In Charge? and Laughter, Love & LimitsCreative Bound, 1997 and 1998Available as e-books onlyParentPower! Lost and FoundDVD, available from above address only