Aamir Khan is often known for his impactful films and social activism. In his 2007 movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’, he addresses the critical issue of learning disabilities. The film tells the story of a young boy struggling with dyslexia and it resonated with audiences and sparked important conversations about education and empathy for children facing challenges.
In an interview, Junaid Khan, Aamir's son, shared his experience with dyslexia. He revealed that his diagnosis came at a young age. This connection between his life and the film's themes highlights the importance of awareness about learning disabilities. Understanding how to treat dyslexia in children is essential for their development and success.
“They Took Me To A Specialist” recalled Junaid Khan on being diagnosed with Dyslexia
Junaid Khan shared that he was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of six. The pivotal moment for his parents, Aamir Khan and his ex-wife Reena Dutta came when they encountered the script of ‘Taare Zameen Par’. Recognising similarities between the character's struggles and their son's behaviour, they sought professional help. Junaid recounted, “When they heard the script, they were like, ‘Ek second (One Second) We have seen this in our lives.’ It was at that point that they took me to a specialist”. This early diagnosis allowed him to receive the necessary support and interventions, which significantly minimised the challenges he faced during his childhood.
How To Treat Dyslexia In A Child?
Dr Nimesh G Desai, a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist explains dyslexia as a condition where a child struggles with reading and writing. This occurs despite having normal or above-average intelligence. Dyslexia is classified as a learning disability or specific learning disability (SLD). Children with dyslexia face challenges in specific tasks, particularly in reading and writing. Other types of SLD include dysgraphia, which affects writing skills.
“Psychologists, including educational and rehabilitation psychologists, can diagnose learning disabilities through various assessments, with dyslexia being the most common,” he added. Here are some steps that can be taken to support children with learning disabilities.
- Start Early: The earlier a child is diagnosed and receives support, the better their chances of success. Early intervention can significantly mitigate the challenges associated with dyslexia.
- Consult Specialists: Work with specialists who can provide targeted reading instruction. Programs like Orton-Gillingham focus on phonics and multisensory learning, which engage multiple senses to reinforce learning.
- Phonics Instruction: Teach children to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. This includes breaking words into sounds and blending them to form words.
- School Support: Collaborate with your child’s school to create an IEP that outlines specific accommodations and support services tailored to their needs. This may include extra time on tests, access to audiobooks, or specialised tutoring.
- Engage Multiple Senses: Use teaching methods that involve sight, sound, touch, and movement. For example, children might trace letters in the sand while saying the sounds aloud.
- Interactive Games: Incorporate games that emphasise phonemic awareness, such as rhyming games or word puzzles.
How Can Parents Support Their Dyslexic Child?
Parents can support their dyslexic child by educating themselves about the condition and maintaining open communication with teachers and tutors. Creating a supportive home environment that encourages reading and language activities is essential.
- Read Together: Spend time reading with your child at home. Encourage them to sound out words and discuss the story to improve comprehension.
- Tutoring: Consider hiring a tutor who specialises in dyslexia. Regular sessions can help reinforce skills learned in school.
If necessary, parents must seek therapy for any emotional or psychological challenges for their children that may arise from struggling with dyslexia. By implementing the above-mentioned strategies, parents and educators can help children with dyslexia develop effective reading and writing skills, setting them on a path toward academic success.