TAKE AWAY! Those with learning disabilities or deficits have a
higher likelihood of mental health concerns AND We can make a
difference WHAT we Know (knowledge) WHAT we DO (practice)
Slide 4
For the sake of our conversation today Learning
disabilities/differences/disadvantages are students who are working
approximately two years below grade level academically with
otherwise average intellectual abilities. Dont get hung up on a
diagnosis here.kk!
Slide 5
1 in 10 Canadians have a Learning Disability 1 in 10 Canadians
have a learning disability? True or False?
Slide 6
ACCORDING TO THE JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES (CANADA) A
PERSON WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY (PWLD) ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO
EXPERIENCE HIGH LEVELS OF DISTRESS, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY DISORDER,
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, VISITS TO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AND POORER
OVERALL MENTAL HEALTH THAN WERE PERSONS WITHOUT DISABILITIES
(PWOD)
Slide 7
Results suggest that learning and attention problems are
interrelated, and usually coexist.
Slide 8
Children with a learning disability and ADHD are 2x more likely
to have a learning disability in Written Expression than a learning
disability in reading, math or spelling
Slide 9
COMMON MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING WE SCREEN FOR THIS:
Internalizing Problems: Withdrawn/Depressed Anxiety/Depression
Somatic Complaints Externalizing Problems Rule Breaking Behaviour
Aggressive Behaviour DSM Scales: Affective Problems, Anxiety
Problems, Somatic Problems, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity,
Oppositional Defiant Problems, Conduct Problems Attention Deficit
Thought Problems Social Problems
Slide 10
ANXIETY Those with LD are 2x more likely to report an anxiety
disorder (social phobia, agoraphobia and panic disordernot GAD) 20%
likely for 15-21 year old 31% likely for those 30-44 years old
Otherwise typical Non-LD ers it is 8% - 10% likely and remains
fairly stable over time
Slide 11
DEPRESSION Higher report of distress, depression and suicidal
thoughts among PWLD may reflect co-occurring depression which
originated from earlier academic distress or anxiety. Statistics
are pretty similar when compared to Non- Lders until later life,
where these thoughts continue..perhaps due to higher incidence of
not completing high school or lower rates of marriage
Slide 12
EXTERNALIZING Challenging behaviours (aggression, destruction,
self-injury and others) are shown by 10%-15% of people with
learning disabilities, with age-specific prevalence peaking between
ages 20 and 49 (Source: Emerson et al.,2001) (Sources taken from
Key Highlights of Research Key Highlights of Research
Slide 13
STUDENTS MAY. Have externalizing or internalizing behaviour
problems Interpersonal problems Greater need for social support
Poorer family relationships Smaller social net-works Greater minor
and major adversity and lower life satisfaction Poor peer relations
or friendships Lower tolerance for school related stress
Slide 14
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO MANAGE STRESS IN STUDENTS Stress from
their life Stress from their learning environment Stress from lack
of organization Stress from social inadequacies Stress from lack of
self-regulation Stress from poor academic ability Stress from
pending anxiety/self- consciousness Stress about the future Stress
about .