Chapter 2 Learning About Children 53
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Children with intellectual disabilities also have special needs. An
intellectual disability
is a condition that severely limits a person’s ability
to learn and perform daily living activities. Problems during pregnancy or
birth can cause intellectual disabilities. Illnesses, injuries, and heredity are
other possible causes.
Another type of disability is a learning disability. Learning disabilities are
a group of disorders that impair a person’s ability to learn or communicate.
Learning disabilities are not the same as intellectual disabilities. One
common learning disability discovered in childhood is dyslexia. People with
dyslexia have trouble processing letters and numbers. Signs of dyslexia
include reading well below grade level and trouble with spelling. People
with dyslexia and other learning disabilities can learn to successfully
manage their disabilities.
Children who are gifted and talented have other types of special needs.
Gifted and talented
children show ability to perform at a higher level than
other children the same age. Such children may excel in one or more areas
including English, math, art, music, or sports. Special programs for these
children offer the extra attention they need to reach their full ability.
Treat children with special needs with the same care and concern as
other children. Someday, you may babysit or work with children who have
special needs. The more you know about children and their special needs,
the better your ability to care for them.
Reading
Review
1. What are three needs all children share?
2. How can you learn to care for children with special needs?
Section Section S c t SSummaryyrammu S S y
• To be a responsible babysitter, learn how children grow and develop.
• Babysitters keep children safe and happy.
• Babysitters should prepare for their job by visiting the home and talking
with the parents.
• Before you babysit, ask the parents for their instructions and follow them.
• Reliable babysitters can learn to help and care for children with special needs.