How the Special Needs Brain Learns

by David A. Sousa

In addition to real classroom footage demonstrating brain-based classroom strategies for special needs students, this video also features six distinct "stop tape for work activity" segments to enhance use for professional development training. 60 minutes

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Mental Health

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2001

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent the past month knee-deep in books claiming to be experts on learning disorders. There really seems to be one continually running theme – all of the authors attempt to hide their ignorance behind a mask of pompous language and confusing sentence structure. This project has been a headache, to say the least. And I know that I’m experiencing only a small fraction of what parents must feel as they wade through the mire in search of answers for their learning-disabled child. The truth is that few answers exist right now – and finding them requires a thorough excavation of bullshit. This is the first book I have found that lays out factual information in a straight-forward and easy-to-read format. Sousa offers a breath of fresh air to frustrated parents and teachers. He uses modern research, fMRI brain scans, and statistical information to explain individual disorders. Each section is then followed by many concrete techniques that educators may use to reach these students. His words are flowing with empathy and understanding; the judgment of “malfunction” is absent from his assessments. I could not recommend this book any higher.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference book or text book for reading teachers or future reading teachers.

[Shelley Wear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource for all teachers that includes ideas for accommodations for various disabilities. My go to.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book about how the brain develops and functions. It gave me more insight into why children may have learning problems and how their brains function differently from the typical brain. It also gave a lot of strategies to use in teaching students with difficulties, but I found these strategies to be very general and almost common sense. However, they may be helpful to someone with limited experience with children with special needs.

[Tammy Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is partial to my job BUT so interesting and helpful to anyone who is interested on ADHD, dyslexia, spelling problems, reading problems. I am a nerd but I loved it. I use it as a reference and just read the chapters I need over again. This author has many brain research books that are excellent.

[Andy Mitchell]

Not inaccurate information, but not much new here. The author comes down clearly in the basic skills and phonics camp. But the brain research summarized and the author's implications are not tightly connected and don't always seem to follow logically.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a good overview of learning disabilities. It goes into theories of what areas of the brain are involved, manifestation of the disability, and guidance for determination and ways to modify instruction and the educational environment.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the updated 3rd edition (2016). It has a nice format of research and strategies for various struggles with the overall message that all students can learn with the right combination of expectation and support.

[Rebecca Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those in education.

[Suzanne]

Fabulous! Great ideas and improves sensitivity towards ALL students.