Have you ever noticed how some children have difficulty with reading, writing, or solving arithmetic calculations? This does not mean that the child is mentally retarded or has a mental disability. This condition which impacts the learning and understanding abilities of the child is known as a learning disability. This week, in our Mental Health A-Z series, Dr Nimesh Desai, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Former Director, IHBAS, Delhi, explains learning disability, its types, and how to deal with it.
What Is A Learning Disability
“A child is said to have a learning disability if they have normal or above average intelligence but struggle to understand and learn”, informed Dr Desai.
According to StatPearls, the term ‘Learning disabilities’ describes a range of conditions that might impair one's ability to acquire, organise, retain, comprehend, or use spoken or nonverbal knowledge.
Types Of Specific Learning Disability
Dr Desai listed the types of specific learning disability as follows:
- Dyslexia: It is the most common form of learning disability and involves difficulty in reading printed words or words on a computer screen.
- Disgrafia: Difficulty in writing words or in making figures
- Dyscalculia: Problems in solving arithmetic and mathematical calculations
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How To Identify Learning Disability: Dyslexia
“If a kid isn't facing any issues in any task apart from reading texts, then there is a high chance of having dyslexia”, highlighted Dr Desai. You should seek consultation from a school counsellor or a psychologist to manage this condition.
He added, “There are specific tests that a clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, or rehabilitation psychologist can perform to confirm dyslexia.”
Speech therapists are qualified to assess and manage any underlying oral language impairments that are frequently linked to dyslexia, as stated in StatPearls.
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Difficulties In The Treatment Of Learning Disability
There is a lack of knowledge in the education system and society about learning disabilities. It is often confused with mental retardation. However, this is not the case, as the child has difficulty in only one sphere of learning.
“Regular training can improve this situation, therefore don't get disheartened and disappointed. Help, treatment, and rehabilitation are available to overcome learning disabilities”, emphasised Dr Desai.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only, Hence, we advise you to not substitute this information with medical treatment and consult your expert for proper diagnosis and treatment.]