 |
A learning disability (LD) is a neurological disorder in which an otherwise intelligent child has a problem in learning, processing, and assimilating information. These structural abnormalities occur in various parts of the brain associated with language, motor activities, spatial relations, and visual input. Failure or not doing too well in school is the biggest sign that a child has learning problem.
Children with learning disabilities exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Some of the disorders which are associated with LD are:
- Deafness and Visual disturbances
- Dyslexia – This is the most common type of LD. Children with this disorder have a problem in reading and writing. They often confuse letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’ and words like ‘won’ and ‘now.’ They may be able to sound out words like C-A-T but say cold instead of cat. More boys than girls have this disorder
- Dyscalculia – Children with this disorder have a problem with mathematics. They have a hard time remembering and/or manipulating numbers and/or number facts (e.g. the multiplication tables). They also tend to confuse mathematical signs like + and –
- Dysgraphia – This is a learning difficulty in which the sufferer has a problem expressing his thoughts in writing. The most common sign of this disorder is illegible handwriting. In children, it first emerges when they are introduced to the concept of writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters and misspell despite thorough instructions
- Dyspraxia – This problem affects a person’s fine and gross motor movements like coordination and walking. Some of the problems associated with this disorder are the inability to hold a pencil properly and putting a jigsaw puzzle together
- Autism – This affects the social and communication skills of the sufferer. They have a problem in concentrating which in turn affects their ability to learn
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) / with or without Hyperactivity - Children with this disorder find it hard to pay attention and/or control their behaviour either at home or at school. The attention deficit may or may not be accompanied with hyperactivity. Recent research has indicated that unnecessary vaccinations, too much refined sugar and excessive T V viewing may be associated with ADHD. They often lack the social and interpersonal skills required to have a successful life
LD tends to run in families and is more prevalent in boys. Dyslexia for instance, is often passed down from parent to child. Prenatal influences like exposure to tobacco and alcohol and a difficult delivery may also cause children to have learning problems.
If parents suspect that their child has a LD, they should get him evaluated by a psychologist and education counselor. It is imperative that the problem is diagnosed and treated early as it can give the child a chance to develop skills needed to lead a successful and productive life.
The following is a checklist of characteristics in a preschooler that may point to a learning disability. Most parents notice one or two of these signs from time to time. But if you see multiple signs regularly, then you should get your child evaluated for a learning disability.
- Started speaking later than most children
- Has poor language skills (vocabulary, reading, writing, and spelling)
- Has poor mathematical skills
- Has trouble learning numbers, alphabets, days of the week, colours, and shapes
- Has a short attention span. Is extremely fidgety and easily distracted
- Has poor social skills e.g. has problems interacting with peer group
- Poor memory
- Has a difficulty in following instructions or routines
- Fine motor skills like coordination are slow to develop
Tips for parents of children with learning disabilities
- First and foremost, accept your child for what he is. Be realistic in your expectations
- Show your love physically by touching and hugging the child.
- Make sure you take time to listen to your child
- Praise him and encourage his strengths. This will help him to build his self esteem
- Don’t nag, instead help your child by demonstrating and guiding him what he should do
- Help your child to concentrate by removing distractions from the environment
- Don’t expect regular or above average school grades
LD cannot be treated but it can be managed through educational, psychological, and behaviourial therapy.Most children do not grow up to be disabled adults if given the right choice of profession.
A child with a learning disability can be sent to a special school. If the problem is only minor, he could be sent to a regular school that accepts and looks after such children.
The LD movement in India started recently. Reports of lower incidence of this disorder in our country are attributed to the general lack of awareness and sensitivity among educationists to the specific difficulties faced by children learning to read and write in overcrowded classrooms. In India, it is estimated that 13-14 percent of all school going children have some kind of learning disability but unfortunately due to the unsympathetic nature of most educationists, they are branded as failures or careless.
Theoretical advances in developmental psychology have started focusing on the environmental factors as a trigger for LD. The methodologies and processes in the Indian school system are not suited to serve the individual needs of children. Therefore, some children find it difficult to cope with schooling. But it is heartening to witness shifts in the traditional education system. Some schools are increasingly becoming inclusive or integrated. Inclusion refers to the philosophy where the school formulates the curriculum in such a way that it suits the needs of the individual child. Integration places the LD child in a regular school, with special assistance as and when needed.
Some NGOs and special schools working to help children with LD
- Asha for Education - This is an American NGO working to improve basic education in India. They have projects catering to children with disabilities including LD. For more information, visit their website at
www.ashanet.org
- Baal Suma Centre for special learning - This organization's aim is to help children with learning disabilities to perform better through remedial study techniques.
Contact
Mrs Mangala Kanabargi, Director,
Available - Mon Sat 10.00 8.00.
18, 1st Cross, 1st Main, Shakti Ganapati Nagar,
Basaveshwarnagar,
Bangalore - 560079.
Ph 23231163.
- Brindavan Psycho-Education Public Charitable Trust - provides assessment and remedial help to children with special needs.
Contact
Ms Roopa Shivkumar, Ms Gayathri Krishna, Directors
Available - Mon-Fri 9.30-3.00.
456, 9 A Main Road, 2nd Block, Jayanagar,
Bangalore - 560011.
Ph 26347311.
Email : brindavan456@yahoo.com
- Maharashtra Dyslexia Association - promotes better understanding of dyslexia.
Resource Centres
101, Amit Partk, 423,
Lala Jamnadas Gupta Marg, Deonar Farm,
Mumbai - 400 088.
Ph : 556 5754.
Sadhana School Bldg,
Ground Floor, Sophia College Campus,
Off Bhulabhai Desai Road,
Bombay 400 026.
Ph : 367 6590.
- Indian Dyslexia Association - aims to create awareness about children with learning disabilities.
Contact
Dr Joe Rosario, Consultant.
Available
Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00.
290/7, Venkataramaiah Layout,
Ramamurthy Nagar Main Ro
ad, Banaswadi,
Bangalore - 560043.
Ph 25452118, 25424303, 25450687,
Email : mithra95@eth.net
- Saraswathi Kendra Learning Centre for Children - Provides innovative and comprehensive services geared to the special needs of children with learning problems and disabilities.
Write to: sklc@cprfoundation.org
http://cprfoundation.org/otherpages/05-sklcmain.htm
C P Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation,
The Grove, 1, Eldams Road, Alwarpet,
Chennai - 600 018.
Ph: 434 1778 / 4353176.
Fax: 432 0756.
- Praytna - offers educational assessment to children with learning disability.
Contact
Dr Aruna Sankaranarayanan, Director,
Available
Mon-Fri 10.00-6.00, Sat 10.00-12.30.
26 Palace Road,
Bangalore - 560052.
Ph 22280831,
Email : prayatna@bgl.vsnl.net.in
- The Educare Centre - provides eduction to children with LD.
Contact
Dr Sunita Sodhi,
M-2, Hauz Khas New Delhi.
Phone : 656 5061.
Email : sunitasodhi@hotmail.com
- Little Arcade - works with autistic and learning disabled children.
Contact
Shikha Bansal,
109 Priya Apartments,
Sector 14, Rohini,
New Delhi
Ph : 9212258131.
Email : littlearcade@yahoo.co.in
|
|
