AIKYA Newsletter August

8/11/2019 AIKYA Newsletter August

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GRUTHI AIKYA NEWSLETTER Issue#

JagruthiAIKYA Newsletter

August 2014

From the Director

Friends,

Let's learn more on Learning Disabilities in this issue

which is invisible and therefore can be extremelytraumatic.

LDis a childhood disorder characterized by difficulty with

certain skills such as reading or writing in individuals with

normal intelligence.Learning disabilitiesaffect the ability

to interpret what one sees and hears or the ability to link

information from different parts of the brain. These

limitations can show up in many ways as specific

difficulties with spoken and written language,

coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficultiesextend to schoolwork and can impede learning to read or

write, or to do math.

Learning disabilities can be lifelong conditions that, in

some cases, affect many parts of a person's life: school or

work, daily routines, family life, and sometimes even

friendships and play. In some people, many overlapping

learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may

have a single, isolated learning problem that has little

impact on other areas of their lives.

This is precisely how a child with a learning

disability might tend to see or read words.
http://www.medicinenet.com/learning_disability/article.htmhttp://www.medicinenet.com/learning_disability/article.htmhttp://www.medicinenet.com/learning_disability/article.htm


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he parents of an LD child go through a series of emotions

fore truly accepting the child and his problem. These

tages are totally unpredictable. A parent may move from

age-to-stage in random. Some parents skip over stages

hile others remain in one stage for an extended period.

hese stages could be as follows:

ENIAL: There is really nothing wrong! Thats the way I

as as a childnot to worry! Hell grow out of it!

LAME: You baby him! You expect too much of him. Its

ot from my side of the family.

EAR: Maybe theyre not telling me the real problem! Is it

orse than they say? Will he ever marry? Go to college?

aduate?

NVY: Why cant he be like his sister or his cousins?

OURNING: He could have been such a success, if not for

e learning disability!

ARGAINING: Wait till next year! Maybe the problem

ll improve if we move!

ANGER: The teachers dont know anything. I hate th

neighborhood, this schoolthis teacher.

GUILT: My mother was right; I should have used clo

diapers when he was a baby. I shouldnt have work

during his first year. I am being punished for somethi

and my child is suffering as a result.

ISOLATION: Nobody else knows or cares about my chil

You and I are against the world. No one e

understands.

FLIGHT: Lets try this new therapyMadhu says

works! We are going to go from clinic to clinic un

somebody tells me what I want to hear!

Again, the pattern of these reactions is tota

unpredictable. This situation is worsened by the fact th

frequently the mother and father may be involved

different and conflicting stages at the same time (e

blame vs. denial; anger vs. guilt). This can ma

communication very difficult.

The good news is that with proper help, most LD childr

can make excellent progress. There are many success

adults such as attorneys, business executives, physician

teachers, etc. who had learning disabilities but overcam

them and became successful. Now with special educati

and many special materials, LD children can be help

early.

- Parvathy Vishwanath

GRUTHI AIKYA NEWSLETTER | Issue #13 2

A parents support and understanding is the primerequirement for a child to cope up with LD.


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JAGRUTHI AIKYA NEWSLETTER | Issue #13

Learning Disabilities LDEvery individual with a learning disability is unique and shows a different combination and degree of difficulties. A

common characteristic among people with learning disabilities is uneven areas of ability, a weakness within a sea of

strengths. For instance a child with dyslexia who struggles with reading, writing and spelling may be very capable

of math and science. There often appears to be a gap between the individuals potential and actual achievement.

Learning Disabilities is an umbrella term describing a number of other, more specific learning disabilities:

DyslexiaA language and reading disability

DyscalculiaProblems with arithmetic and math concepts

DysgraphiaA writing disorder resulting in illegibility

DyspraxiaProblems with motor coordination

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)Difficulty processing and remembering language-related

tasks

Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NvLD)Trouble with nonverbal cues, e.g. body language, poor

coordination, clumsy

Visual Perceptual Deficit (VPD)Reverses letters, cannot copy accurately, eyes hurt and itch, loses place,

struggles with cutting

Aphasia/Dysphasiatrouble understanding spoken language, poor reading comprehension

LEARNING

DISABILITIES

Dyscalculia Dysgraphia

Dyspraxia

Aphasia

VPD NvLD

CAPD

Dyslexia

LD An Overview


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AGRUTHI AIKYA NEWSLETTER | Issue #13 4

Learning Disabilities A Quick Glance

Disability Signs & Symptoms Strategies

Dyslexia Reads slowly and painfully

Has trouble with spelling Difficulty with math

computations

Has difficulty with hand

writing

Use books with large print an

big spaces between lines Use multi-sensory teaching

methods

Dyscalculia Difficulty understanding

concepts of place value,

quantity, etc

Difficulty in understanding

fractions

Challenged with handlingmoney

Allow use of fingers

Use diagrams for math

concepts

Use colored pencils to

differentiate problems

Dysgraphia Difficulty with cursive writing

Copying or writing is slow

Has unfinished words or

letters

Use oral exams

Allow use of wide-ruled pape

Provide notes to reduce the

amount of writing required

Dyspraxia Poor balance and appears

clumsy

Poor hand-eye coordination

Shows possible sensitivity to

touch

Distressed by loud noises

Avoid touching from behind o

getting too close

Whisper when working one t

one with the child

Central Auditory Processing

Disorder Distracted by background

noises

Difficult to stay focussed

May process thoughts slowly

Allow 5-6 seconds to respond

for your questions

Stress key words and use

intonation

Non-verbal Learning Disorder Difficulty following multi-step

instructions

Trouble recognizing body

language

Implement a modified schedu

or creative programming

Give proper verbal cues

Visual Perceptual Deficit May have reversals: b for d; p

for q, etc

Cannot copy accurately

Allow use of computer

Use large print books

Restrict copying tasks

Aphasia/Dysphasia Difficulty understanding

spoken language

Poor reading comprehension

Use simple sentences

Write main concepts on boar

Practice story mapping


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You are not alone!Parents are often baffled by the problems presented by a child with learning disabilities. Often this invisible disabili

does not become obvious until a child reaches school age. Even then, difficulties may be subtle and hard to recognize

Being told that your child has a disability can be as traumatizing as learning of a family member's sudden death. Man

parents are stunned by such news. Receiving such a message can produce overwhelming emotions of shock, disbelief

anxiety, fear, and despair. Within that moment, research has shown that some parents cannot distinguish between th

unconscious wish for an idealized normal child from an unthinkable, sudden reality of one who is not.

For some parents, just trying to comprehend the disparity between their desires for their child and the disability that

exists compounds their emotional and intellectual efforts to adjust to the situation. They may feel grief, depression, o

shame. Some may also ask questions of "why me" and conclude that they are being punished for sins or bad acts of th

past. Depending on the severity of the disability and the magnitude of the demand for coping, a few parents may even

contemplate death for the child or themselves. These thoughts represent an all-encompassing need to achieve inner

peace.

Well, dear parents, in this battle you are not alone! In India, around 310% of school going population has been

diagnosed with various learning disabilities. All that is needed is whole-hearted acceptance and steps taken to rule ou

the odds.

Tips for helping parents accept their child's disability

Raising a special child takes 180% of parenting. Often a spouse or siblings feel left out. Consider the following:

1. Family Reward Chart. List several special things to do. When a reward is due, have the LD/ADHD child pick from th

list. (It could be as simple as a trip to the park.) When the family goes or does the special event, others in the family ca

compliment the special child because they are all rewarded. (Builds self esteem too!!)

2. Try to maintain family dinners as much as possible. Each family member should tell what happened during the day

3. Mom and Dad need to support one another. If one has given a rule or punishment, the other should support and

enforce what has been said. NEVER allow the child to come between you and your spouse. If you disagree with what

been done, do it later when the child is not around.

The above are only a few tips that help in raising an LD. Parent group can often offer more tips and most importantly

offer you parental support that you need.

JAGRUTHI AIKYA NEWSLETTER | Issue #13

Together WE can make a DIFFERENCE!


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AIKYA My Beaconby Komalavalli

There are times when we find ourselves questioning,

What am I doing with my life? I am sure, many of you

ut there would have asked yourself the same and

ometimes find it difficult to face the answer if it was notwhat you thought you knew. Or rather, I was one who

dreaded the question clearly because I wasnt doing what I

ver wanted to do..! I have always believed that our

nnermost desires know way better than our questioning

nd rational minds. At one point, this thought kept hitting

me hard, time and again and I found myself wavering

verywhere like a lost traveler in a terrifying tempest,

rying to quench my quest for the very question. And then,

AIKYA happened.

t was a warm Monday morning as I kept walking the busy

oads of Mylapore, trying to find AIKYAs location. And

when I finally reached the orange building, I did a double

ake at the sign board that said Enter at your own risk!

Only a moment later did I read the next line Beware of

dogs. Having startled thus by the sign board, I chuckled to

myself and entered through the creaky black iron gate with

no idea what to expect next. And as I was waiting there in

he front room, a small boy with neatly combed hair and

idy uniform peeped out from behind a door and gave me a

heerful smile; I smiled back. It was, indeed, not what I hadxpected and that cleared all the fog around my mind.

There was a wooden cupboard nearby, inside I saw

beautiful pearl necklaces, garlands made of plastic flowers,

ot more and a small crayon sketch of the sun rising

between two mountains, drawn on the white notice board.

t took me by surprise when I learnt from Ms. Parvathy

Vishwanath, the Founder-Director, that the kids there were

he owners of those wonderful creations. And thus began

my days at AIKYA and each day was a surprise with thosekids.

My actual interaction with the kids began the next day. The

lasses had already begun when I entered. There was a

group of 5 children sitting with their teachers and carefully

writing something. I went there and was thinking, unsure

how to start. Just then a question came from a boy, Are

you our teacher?I was clearly surprised by that and

before I could open my mouth to answer, another da

Which subject?All I could do was manage a smile an

greeted them. I got a chorus Good morning, Miss

with a familiar tone that reminded me of my scho

days. And with that came one more question fro

another boy, Hi, I am Kumail. What is your name?couldnt hide my surprise and introduced myself a

told that I will be taking computers for them. And fro

that day, I am fondly called the Computer Miss.

These kids, they love to learn computers and jum

around for their turns and reserve schedules eve

before the day starts. Each one is so unique that on

gets to learn a lot from them, each day. They are taughto type using MS Word and did I mention fingering.

Yes, they are well-versed at that. I am a mess when

comes to fingering the keys and in fact, I have started t

learn how to actually type from one of them! On

thing that astounds me every time about these kids i

that, they are never superficial. They do thing

meticulously and when they finish something it i

always perfect. They never get tired of tryin

something new and will never give you No for a

answer.

I owe my sincere thanks to Parvathy Ma'am for lettin

me be a part of AIKYA and the bigger cause for whic

she has dedicated herself. Gone are the days when

groggily got up for work, disinterested. Now, ever

dawn reminds me how much being at AIKYA ha

changed my life and has indeed been my beacon

guiding light for the lost traveler.!



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Shop, shop all the way!

Say Yoga, They Go Gaga


Teacher: Who wants to go veggie shopping?

Kids(in unison and among themselves): MeMe Me!

Hey you went last week. Its my turn now.

Our kids at AIKYA are taken for weekly grocery shopping

and this is the typical scenario one would get to see when

hat time of the week comes. They are so enthusiastic to

venture out and explore the neighborhood. And when it

comes to colorful grocery shopping all hands will be up in

he air!

They do not hesitate to interact with the staff there and

without any chaos pick the vegetables carefully and wait

o pay bills on their own. Before the staff calculates with

he computer, these kids are so fast and are ready with the

amount to be paid. After happily getting back, they share

he experience with their friends and report to the

eachers with the balance amount.

And their calculation seldom goes wrong..!

Our kids shopping at the nearby grocery shop,

settling bills on their own and reporting their

purchase. Like everyone, they love shopping too!!

YogaSay this word and the kids jump up and down.

is an integral part of anyones daily routine and our ki

here have known this better.

At the strike of 11, all of them get eager and keep

reminding their teachers that it was time for their yog

sessions. They assemble in the hall, clear the furniture

on their way; few boys bring mats and lay them on the

floor and within minutes all are set.

And the amazing part is, they are all so well trained th

at the mention of a postures name they twist their

bodies gracefully and astound you like pros!

The dedication and discipline that they show during

their yoga sessions is sure to take anyone by surprise.


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About AIKYAJagruthi

AIKYA aims to Improve and enhance functional capabilities of persons with special need

like Autism, ADHD, DS and other Learning Disorders..

Early Intervention Programs for Children with delayed development (0-3 Years

School for children with ADHD, Autism, DS, Learning Disabilities and Slow learn

Therapy services

Vocational training

Training in sports, music, dance, yoga, instrumental music

Training in computers

Recreation Centre with indoor sports and GYM

Work Centre for adults

Training and counseling for parents of children with special needs

Short term training courses for parents and volunteers

-----------------------------

Do you want to volunteer with AIKYA?

Please call 9444960643 or mail [email protected]

Where are we located?

2/9, Karpagambal Nagar Main Road,

Luz, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. Mobile: 9444960643.

Support us: Volunteer / Donate / adopt a project / adopt a child

Visit our Website:www.aikya.org

Donate:http://www.AIKYA.org/payment.asp

Connect with us:

AGRUTHI AIKYA NEWSLETTER | Issue #13

Myths about LD

1. Individuals with LD

have low intelligence

2. LD can be cured

3. Adults dont have LD

4. The only kind of LD is

Dyslexia

5. Watching too much TV

causes LD

6. Vaccinations can cause

LD

Facts about LD

1. There is no

connection between LD

and low IQ

2. LD cannot be cured

but managed

3. Children with LD

become adults with LD

4. There are many

types of LD:

Dyscalculia,

Dysgraphia, etc

5. Watching TV does

not cause LD though it

is good to avoid

6. Vaccinations do not

cause LD

Jagruthi
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.aikya.org/http://www.aikya.org/http://www.aikya.org/http://www.aikya.org/payment.asphttp://www.aikya.org/payment.asphttp://www.aikya.org/payment.asphttp://aikyas.blogspot.in/https://twitter.com/AIKYACentrehttps://www.facebook.com/AIKYAcentrehttp://www.aikya.org/payment.asphttp://www.aikya.org/mailto:[email protected]

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