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IS IT A HIDDEN HANDICAP? STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND ITS PATTERNS OF STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN SCIENCE LEARNING

Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi · Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025) · pp. 598–608

DOI
10.22437/jiituj.v9i2.41742
ISSN
2580-2259, 2580-2240
Published
2025-04-18
Publisher
LPPM Universitas Jambi
Language
en
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Abstract

The aim of the research is to explore the cognitive profiles patterns of strengths and weaknesses of children with specific learning difficulties and to assess how these profiles can inform individualized educational interventions. Using a collective case study approach, data were collected from four school-aged children (7–9 years old) with low academic performance through a mixed-method design involving parental interviews and comprehensive psychological testing. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Marianne Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception were employed to assess intellectual ability, working memory, attention, and visual perception. Results revealed that all participants had average to very superior intellectual capacities, indicating that learning difficulties were not related to intelligence level. However, consistent patterns of weaknesses were identified in working memory, attention, and visual-motor coordination, while abstract verbal reasoning remained a cognitive strength. One participant exhibited a unique strength in perceptual organization, linked to enriched sensory interaction and high intellectual capacity. This research offers a novel perspective on recognizing specific learning difficulties through cognitive profiling rather than general academic performance. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive assessments in identifying hidden handicaps and developing tailored educational strategies. The implication is clear: effective interventions must consider both cognitive strengths and weaknesses to support academic achievement and emotional well-being in children with specific learning difficulties.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

8 authors · 15 co-authorship links

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  • Universitas Halu Oleo
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Different organisations
  • Same organisation
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Thicker line = more joint articles · bigger circle = more articles
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Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Leila M. CollantesAffiliation unknown2
Nani MardianiAffiliation unknown2
Sumiyyah SabarAffiliation unknown2
Jamiludin JamiludinUniversitas Halu Oleo1
La Ode Monto BautoUniversitas Halu Oleo1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/index.php/JIITUJ/oai, first harvested 5 Nov 2026, last seen 5 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc)
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">IS IT A HIDDEN HANDICAP? STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND ITS PATTERNS OF STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN SCIENCE LEARNING</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Maulina, Bania</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Lukito, Alamsyah</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Mardiana, Nana</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Hidden handicap</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Learning problems</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Pattern of strenghts and weakness</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Specific learning difficulties</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Underachievers</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">The aim of the research is to explore the cognitive profiles patterns of strengths and weaknesses of children with specific learning difficulties and to assess how these profiles can inform individualized educational interventions. Using a collective case study approach, data were collected from four school-aged children (7–9 years old) with low academic performance through a mixed-method design involving parental interviews and comprehensive psychological testing. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Marianne Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception were employed to assess intellectual ability, working memory, attention, and visual perception. Results revealed that all participants had average to very superior intellectual capacities, indicating that learning difficulties were not related to intelligence level. However, consistent patterns of weaknesses were identified in working memory, attention, and visual-motor coordination, while abstract verbal reasoning remained a cognitive strength. One participant exhibited a unique strength in perceptual organization, linked to enriched sensory interaction and high intellectual capacity. This research offers a novel perspective on recognizing specific learning difficulties through cognitive profiling rather than general academic performance. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive assessments in identifying hidden handicaps and developing tailored educational strategies. The implication is clear: effective interventions must consider both cognitive strengths and weaknesses to support academic achievement and emotional well-being in children with specific learning difficulties.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">LPPM Universitas Jambi</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2025-04-18</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/JIITUJ/article/view/41742</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.22437/jiituj.v9i2.41742</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi; Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Volume 9, Nomor 2, June 2025; 598-608</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2580-2259</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2580-2240</dc:source>
	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/JIITUJ/article/view/41742/20574</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 Bania Maulina, Alamsyah Lukito, Nana Mardiana</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</dc:rights>
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