Class 7 Readings:
From the Dane reading, I found it interesting how learning disabilities were at first conceptualized as resulting from traumatic events, and not as organic differences. I feel like the typical pattern of disorder conceptualization throughout history at first fails to acknowledge the impact of traumatic events, so I found it interesting how in this case it was the opposite. Additionally, the discussion about the integration of psychosocial needs with educational remediation resonated with my experience as a school social work intern. My supervisor consistently played a distinct role in the interdisciplinary team of children with learning disabilities, providing support that was not within the realm/job description of school psychologists and school counselors, such as family and community changes and needs. The article further reinforced my stance on the need for interdisciplinary perspectives in schools (and all settings serving children/families, for that matter).
I also liked Palombo's conceptualization of "disorders of the self," showing how learning disabilities have implications for the child beyond the primary disability itself. To me, this highlights where social workers fit into the lives of children/families affected by learning disabilities, providing psychoeducation and empathic support in order to offset such negative effects.