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Knowing more about Specific Learning Disabilities

Now that we are aware of the types and causes of specific learning disability, and that we have identified that there is a learning disability what is most important is acceptance. It is important to remember that it is not a disease hence there is no medication. The only thing that helps is remedial education. Counselling of the person concerned as well as the rest of the family facilitates acceptance of the condition.

One must also not simply label the child if one just thinks that symptoms are similar.

A series of tests like Audiometric test, Vision test, Psychological assessment, Occupational therapy and Psychoeducational assessment are required to ascertain specific learning disabilities.

Various Education Boards will grant concessions on having a valid medical certificate issued by a neurologist and countersigned by the district civil surgeon.

For certification, one can go to:

LEARNING DISABILITY CLINIC,K,
E. M. HOSPITAL,
PAREL, MUMBAI 400 012

LEARNING DISABILITY CLINIC
LTMG HOSPITAL,
SION, MUMBAI 400 022

LIFE CENTRE FOR LEARNING DISABILITY
B. Y. L. NAIR HOSPITAL
MUMBAI CENTRAL,
MUMBAI 400 019.

The ICSE Board accepts detailed report from a RCI Registered counselor.

Remember, that the person is not stupid, nor does he play up on purpose. He has a genuine disorder, and his symptoms are the result of the disorder.

So what can we do to help?

Take the time to listen to children as much as you can.
Look for and encourage their strengths, interests and abilities. Help them to use these as compensations for any limitations or disabilities.
Reward them with praise, good words and smiles.
Involve them in establishing rules and regulations, schedules and family activities.
Tell them when they misbehave and explain how you feel about their behavior.
Help them correct their errors and mistakes. Do not nag!
Provide toys, games, motor activities and opportunities that will stimulate them in their development.
Encourage them to ask questions, discuss stories, tell the story or read to them.
Further their ability to concentrate by reducing distracting aspects of their environment as much as possible.
It is important that they progress at their own rates and be rewarded for doing so.
Help them to develop self-esteem and to compete with self rather than with others.
If need be explain to their peers what the problems are.
Never force them to conform to the day’s lessons.
Avoid putting them under the pressure of time or competition.
Be flexible regarding the content of the lesson.
Be aware of the possibility of the child using avoidance techniques.
Be positively critical.
Permit various aids to help them.
Make sure that the allotted homework is understood.
Don’t punish without reason. Be reasonable.
Offer special care.
Consciously look for skills.
Encourage and motivate.
Don’t hesitate to consult with other teachers or other specialists whenever you feel it to be necessary to better understand what might be done to help your child learn.

What is the treatment?

There is no drug or medicine to cure this problem. Remedial Education is the best treatment for the child to cope with his disability. Remedial Education needs to go hand in hand with the school curriculum.

It should be started as early as possible.

An individualized educational program should be planned by a remedial teacher/ special educator focusing on the child’s strengths.

The educational program should include:

Reading program
Spelling program
Number concepts
Mathematical skills
Writing program
Reasoning skills
Memory skills
Perceptual skills
Motor skills
Language development
Attention

One must also remember that a person really can do anything he so desires. A number of these have been extremely successful professionals who have achieved success impressively.

For any queries or assistance do get in touch with ImPerfect‘s team member Kashmira Kakalia.