The first and most important thing that parents should understand is that a child with learning disability is very different from a mentally-challenged child.
Says Dr Sunil Karande, in charge of Sion Hospital's learning disability clinic
MUMBAI: The first and most important thing that parents should understand is that a child with learning disability (LD) is very different from a mentally-challenged child. In fact, children with LD are often academically average or above average.
At Sion Hospital's LD clinic, we assess the children and then give an certificate, which can be used to avail provisions made by the state government for children with LD.
It starts with a detailed letter from the principal of the school where the student is studying. The letter mentions all details of the problem, including difficulties faced by the child while reading, writing, performing mathematical calculations and the child's behaviour in class. This is essential because often, parents are not fully aware of what is happening inside the classroom. We also ask parents to bring the child's notebooks, and the results of the last two exams.
The LD clinic runs an out-patient department (OPD) on Tuesdays and Fridays where these assessments along with neurological and clinical examinations are done. The child and the parents are given an appointment for the actual screening, where an IQ test and an education test is conducted. These tests take up to four weeks. If the child has behavioural problems and is uncooperative, it can take up to six weeks as a child psychiatrist's help is required.
Once the tests results are out, all the experts hold a consultation with each other, and then arrive at a diagnosis. If dyslexic, the child is given a LD certificate. However, before that we call the parents and the child for counselling sessions.
Parents find it tough to accept that their child has disability. Hence, the counsellor coaches parents on how to help the child.
In cases with LD, remedial education is the key. Sadly, parents don't understand the concept and instead try options like private tuitions, which are clearly not appropriate therapy for the problem.
However, with increasing awareness about LD, the situation is improving.
Dr Karande spoke to Deepa Suryanarayan
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