Dr. Luxy K L, MA; M Sc; M Phil.Al Soor Specialty Clinic, Sharjah, UAE

www.alsoorpsychiatry.ae

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES (LD)Early Detection & Intervention

BRIEF COMMENTS ON PARENTING

4 Types of Parenting

Parents are not FriendsOften parents behave like friendsIf you play like friends you will lose your

power as parents.Inculcate TrustAnswer Questions - then their creativity

and imagination will improve. They will become real explorers and at the end scientists.

Classroom - 50Achievers - 39 studentsNon Achievers – 10 studentsUnder Achievers – 1 student

LEARNING DISABILITY (LD)

ACADEMIC SKILLS• 3 main academic skills• Comprehension – Reading and Listening• Expression - Oral or Written• Arithmetic Ability

• 3 types of LD• Dyslexia – is the difficulty to read• Dysgraphia – is the difficulty to write• Dyscalculia – is the difficulty with arithmetic

skills

LD Statistics• Among children with normal intelligence, as

many as 1 out of every 5 children have some degree of LD.

• LD occurs 2 to 3 times more often in males than in females.

• There is an increased risk of 4 to 8 times in first degree relatives for reading deficits, and about 5 to 10 times for mathematical deficits – showing a strong genetic tendency.

LD Basics• LD varies from person to person.• Often the LD subtypes are mixed.• It is caused by differences in how the brain

processes information. • LD children are not intellectually disabled,

lazy or adamant.

Learning Disability (LD) Versus Intellectual Disability (ID)• In fact, children with LD often have average

or above average intelligence. • Children with LD exhibit significant

discrepancy between the potential for academic achievement and actual performance.

• Intellectual Disability (ID) is a global delay in brain development; and their academic performance, in general, matches the brain’s potential.

LD Research Shows…• LD is a chronic condition. However, children with

LD can do well and can be taught ways to get around their LD. With the right help, children with LD can and do learn successfully.

• Children with LD get frustrated and intolerant when they are not able to perform well in academics.

• Parents and teachers often pressurize them and this often has consequences• fear and anxiety• low self-esteem• low confidence• loss of interest• emotional disturbances• school phobia and school refusal.

Assessment & Management• LD assessment by a clinical psychologist

forms the basis establishing eligibility for academic services and concessions through Government Regulatory Bodies.

Assessment & Management• Some other psychological disorders are

commonly seen associated with LD• Communication Disorders• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder• Fine Motor Difficulties• Oppositional Defiance• Conduct Problems• Tics• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder• Social Anxiety• Depression.

• Diagnosis and Management of these associated problems is vital for the overall wellbeing and improved academic performance of the child.

Remedies• If I can’t learn the way you teach, will you teach

me the way I can learn? Remedial Training• Consistent/intensive one to one training. • Extensive Support from the school• Simplifying the lessons, using flow charts, etc• Use various modalities (Visual, Auditory, and

Tactile) to enhance learning. Learning is more effective when concepts are experienced or seen.

• Ensure understanding of content learned by making him/her work regularly on assessment sheets/question papers prepared along similar lines to those followed in school.

Recommendations• Assistance of a peer buddy to cope with work in

class (diary work, notes).• Individual attention during exams. • Overlooking spelling errors, grammatical mistakes

and evaluating on content (wherever possible). • Board provisions such as Scribes, Extra Time and

Dropping Language/Subjects could be granted by the CBSE Board for Dyslexic children.

• Parents to coordinate and cooperate with the teachers and counsellor for the benefit of the child.

• Involving children in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts (and other areas s/he is good in) and assigning him/her class responsibilities would be a boost to his/her self-esteem.

Other OptionsLook for Skills & InterestsVocational TrainingKeep the focus clearly on the long term

goals of life.Most importantly, they must acquire

initiative, confidence and self-esteem which ultimately defines every child’s success in life.

Conclusion

Early detection and early intervention are vital. When a child has troubles in learning to read, to write, to listen, to speak or to do math, teachers and parents must get it investigated at the earliest

The EndIf a country is to be

free of corruption and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher.