How the Special Needs Brain Learns

by David A. Sousa

Teaching students with learning challenges just got easier with this groundbreaking guide! More and more students are having difficulty acquiring basic reading, writing, and computation skills. If you seek effective strategies to meet their needs, look no further! Use this updated third edition from education expert David A. Sousa to explore the causes of many common learning disorders and discover how to identify, accommodate, and motivate your students. Dr. Sousa answers your questions about common disabilities and provides the latest alternative instructional approaches to ensure mastery occurs. Discover cutting-edge brain research and innovative instructional strategies to help

Improve your understanding of the learning process  Understand genetic and environmental triggers of learning problems Effectively instruct students with ADHD, LD, dyslexia, writing disabilities, autism, emotional and behavioral challenges, and more  Utilize assistive technologies to remove barriers to learning Differentiate instruction in speech, reading, writing, and mathematics Learn how the brain works and the practical know-how to transfer that knowledge to the classroom for the benefit of all students. This expert resource shows you how! "By providing the specific neurological processes behind learning difficulties, Dr. Sousa gives teachers and teacher candidates a useful resource to understand and respond to challenges experienced by students with learning difficulties and special educational needs." Gina Garner, Assistant Professor of Education, Learning Disabilities Program Director Aquinas College "This book provides knowledge of the neurological basis of learning without inundating the reader with complex terminology. The author arms the reader with strategies to address various disabilities and a plethora of ways to support their learning and emotional needs. The teacher-friendliness of this book makes it stand out." Francine Del Vecchio, Associate Professor Division of Education, Caldwell University

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Mental Health

293 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.