What are specific learning disabilities?
Specific learning disabilities (SLD) are conditions of the brain that affect a child's ability to receive, process or respond to information. Children with SLD struggle with reading, writing, spelling or maths even though they are bright and trying hard. It is an invisible disorder, but it has a strong effect on a child's progress in school.
Learning disabilities are present from childhood but are usually diagnosed once the child is in school. They are lifelong and cannot be "cured", but they can be worked on very effectively with early identification and early intervention.
Types of learning disabilities
- Dyslexia: difficulty with reading and understanding what is read
- Dyscalculia: difficulty with maths and numbers
- Dysgraphia: difficulty with writing and handwriting
When to suspect a learning disability
If the problem is severe, signs can appear even in preschool, such as language delay or trouble with rhymes. More often, parents or teachers notice that a child's marks are unexpectedly low without any obvious reason.
Signs differ from child to child and depend on the type of learning disability. Having some signs does not always mean a learning disability. A professional assessment is needed to confirm it.
Who to contact and how it is diagnosed
A developmental disorders specialist is usually the first point of contact. A psycho-educational assessment by a qualified professional is also needed. It shows the gap between a child's academic potential and actual achievement.
Learning disabilities often come with ADHD. Treating ADHD properly can improve school performance a lot in children first suspected of having SLD, so it is important to check for both.
Therapies that help
Depending on the child's needs, support may involve a developmental disorders specialist, special educators, occupational therapists, counsellors and psychologists. Remedial teaching builds skills step by step, using the child's strengths.
Support in school
Learning disabilities are one of the 21 disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 in India. To get concessions in board exams, you first need a learning disability certificate from a government authorized hospital, and then apply through your child's school.
Concessions may include extra time, a writer, exemption from a language or use of a calculator, depending on the board and the child's needs.
Questions parents often ask
Is a child with dyslexia less intelligent?
No. Children with learning disabilities usually have average or above average intelligence. The difficulty is in specific skills like reading or maths, not in overall ability.
At what age can a learning disability be diagnosed?
Most learning disabilities are confirmed after a child has had some formal schooling, usually from around 7 or 8 years. Early signs can be noticed earlier and support can start before a formal diagnosis.
How do I get an SLD certificate?
After assessment by a specialist, the certificate is issued by a government authorized hospital. The school then uses it to apply for board exam concessions.