The document discusses neurodevelopmental learning needs characterized by disorders that impact the central nervous system and hinder effective classroom learning. It outlines various disorders including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorders, and specific learning disorders, explaining their effects on cognitive and social functioning. Emphasizing the diversity of South African classrooms, it advocates for aligned teaching strategies and supportive environments to accommodate all learners.

1. UNDERSTANDING
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING
NEEDS: CONTEXTUALIZED FOR
SOUTH AFRICAN CLASSROOMS.

2. WHAT IS MEANT BY NEURODEVELOPMENTAL
LEARNING NEEDS?
• Neurodevelopmental learning needs are referred to as a group of disorders in which the development of
the central nervous system is disturbed which affects the learner’s ability to learn effectively in the
classroom.
• According to Vargo F.E, neurodevelopmental learning disorders are cognitive-related disorders (involving
functions of the brain) that are ultimately due to genetic causes and present from early childhood (Vargo,
n.d.).
• Neurodevelopmental learning disorders are explained as impairments of the brain and central nervous
system. From a psychological perspective, neurodevelopmental learning disorders are conditions of
abnormal brain function that typically adversely affect the child’s emotional and social functioning and
cognitive and learning capabilities over time and across developmental stages

3. DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL
LEARNING DISORDERS
• 1. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
• 2. ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
• 3. COMMUNICATION DISORDER AND LANGUAGE DISORDER
• 4. SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS IN READING, WRITTEN LANGUAGE AND MATHEMATICS

5. Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that
occurs around a spectrum of degrees and variations of clinical profiles. There
are three core deficits in the functioning and developmental processes which
are common to the disorder:
1. Deficiencies in social interactions
and functioning based on expected
typical levels,
2. Deficits and developmental delays
in language and communication
skills ,
3. Restricted areas of personal
interest and often observable
patterns of behaviors.

7. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd) is a neurodevelopmental
disability occurring in about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults.
The primary difficulty evident is significant problems regulating and
maintaining attention and focus at developmentally appropriate levels.
Learners with adhd have trouble focusing their
attention on a single task or sitting still for
long periods of time whereas
some learners have trouble
controlling impulsive behaviors and
may act without thinking about what the result will be

9. Communication and language disorder includes a range of language and related cognitive
deficits that may include the form of language (phonology, syntax, morphology), the
content of language (semantics) and the function (pragmatics) of language. There are four
common symptoms that children with this disorder share in common:
1. Deficiency or developmental delay in the quality of
language that is learned, comprehended and produced.
2.Deficiencies in grammar understanding and applied usage
3. Developmentally delayed social
communication skills
4. Deficient nonverbal communication skills

11. SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS INVOLVE PARTICULAR DEFICITS IN AN INDIVIDUAL’S ABILITY TO PERCEIVE OR
PROCESS INFORMATION EFFECTIVELY. THEY ARE RELATED TO DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF
SPECIFIC ACADEMIC SKILLS SETS AND ABILITIES. THESE DELAYS INCLUDE DEFICITS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF
READING, WRITTEN LANGUAGE AND MATHEMATICS.
READING RELATED DISORDER IS KNOWN AS DYSLEXIA.
DYSLEXIA IS A LEARNING DISORDER INVOLVING DIFFICULTY
IN READING DUE TO PROBLEMS IDENTIFYING SPEECH SOUNDS
AND RELATIONSHIP OF LETTERS AND WORDS.
MATH RELATED DISORDER IS KNOWN AS DYSCALCULIA.
DYSCALCULIA IS THE DIFFICULTY IN LEARNING OR
COMPREHENDING ARITHMETIC AND UNDERSTANDING
NUMBERS AND SOLVING MATHEMATICAL CALCULATIONS.
WRITTEN LANGUAGE RELATED DISORDER IS KNOWN AS
DYSGRAPHIA WHICH IS DIFFICULTY OF HANDWRITING,
SPELLING AND WORD CONSTRUCTION. THEIR WRITING
IS SOMETIMES ILLEGIBLE OR HARD TO READ.

13. South Africa is a very diverse country consisting of diverse families from diverse
communities. Teachers should keep in mind that classrooms will be filled by
diverse learners from diverse communities. This information should give
teachers an idea that teaching strategies should be aligned in a way that every
diverse learner gets an opportunity to learn fully and not be discriminated.
Teachers should make it a point that they educate other teachers and
community members about learners with
special learning needs. If the community
acknowledge and understand that
children are unique with unique abilities
then it would be easier for learners to
feel welcomed in schools and
communities they are from.
Teachers should also create classroom
environments which are welcoming and
accommodating to all diverse learners.

14. REFERENCE LIST
Vargo, FE. n.d. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A definitive guide for educators. New York London: W.W.
Norton & Company
Landsberg, E., Kruger, D & Nel, N. 2005. Addressing barriers to learning: a South African perspective.
Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers.
Https://www.Mayoclinic.Org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-
20353552#:~:text=dyslexia%20is%20a%20learning%20disorder,the%20brain%20that%20p
rocess%20language.
ALL PICTURES USED SOURCED FROM GOOGLE