As a Learning Disabilities Consultant the effects and independence they teach the client has an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. In this specialized field there are many health care workers entering this flied in the past 2 decades. Their theories of teaching and rehabilitating learning disability patients has surpassed the medical institutions in ways they never thought imaginable.
The Consultants build an understanding that in a simple definition means building a connection. From Humanism's to Cognatism and behaviorism these words are used daily by the professionals in this sector of Consultancy. Implicit however in the definition of learning is acceptance of change. There are many types of change; in fact change can occur without effort on anyone’s part. Or the more traditional word and meaning of change, which will take planning and effective training.
Once a Consultant has determined what change needs to occur by assessing and evaluating the patient there are goals and objectives. These 2 words are interchangeable in so far as they can be considered as both immediate and long term aims to be accomplished in a learning situation. However goal is often more the term, describing a general, long range intended outcome of learning, whereas objective is used to mean a specific immediate, short-range intended outcome of a learning situation. Therefore when a Consultant is hired to assist and help a learning disability patient some theories are already applicable. For example it has been ascertained the patient has a disability whether on a cognitive realm or moral development. Recently, researches in the filed of Psychology have suggested that a fifth and quantitatively higher stage of cognitive development may follow formal operations. They are able to comprehend the contradictions that exist in both personal and physical reality. Information processing is very much part of this behavior. It has been described as a step-by-step mental operation that we use to solve problems. These are but a few responsibilities the Consultant has to be well versed with.
Therefore to sum this field the Consultant must have strong knowledge of the framework involved. From the proposition of the framework to the concept needed and then ultimately the theory and plan advised to the patient. Working in this field is not for the weak at heart. Patience, endurance and advocacy are all part of the innate framework the Consultant should have.
Salaries will range per child or per year. From $100 per hour or $1500 per child, in some cases or salaries ranging from $125,000 in the major metropolitan cities to $85,000 in some areas of Ohio. However, problem solving skills and a level of thinking that is out of the box won’t come from education alone. A successful work history with awards and recognition given for projects can advance careers. If a Consultant has interest in different disciplines along with a few years experience in another field this will be apparent after the initial interview process. In conclusion a base salary of $40,000 - $60,000 is not unheard as a starting gauge however, being well versed in federal state and local assistance available requires years of hands on training.
