Activity 4

We looked at some of the questions that might be included when screening for learning disabilities. We asked you to identify other questions that could be included to help you screen for possible learning disabilities. Here is what you told us:

• Asking about the employment history is key, e.g. how many jobs they've had, how long they stayed in the job, why the left the job, what helped them succeed in a particular job.
• Did they arrive on time? How do you organize your day?
• Why are you here?
• Ask about hobbies, talents, what they watch on television.
• Ask about medications they are taking.
• Ask about their home environment.
• What subjects did they enjoy in school? What subjects did they have trouble with? Were they involved in any extra-curricular activities?
• Ask about relationships with peers, teachers, etc.
• Do other family members have learning difficulties?
• Use the responses to questions to lead to other, pertinent questions.
• Ask them to complete statements such as, "I know I am good at being on time because ..."
• Observe the learner as part of the screening process.
• What would you like to be able to do that you have problems doing now?

Vicki offered to include a "student data sheet" that she has found helpful. While it isn't a learning disabilities screening tool, many of these questions are included on it, and it has proven itself to be a useful initial assessment tool. You'll find this "data sheet" on the next two pages.