Category : ENT
Learning Disabilities (LDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the brain’s ability to acquire, process, and apply verbal or nonverbal information, despite average or above-average intelligence. They typically impact specific academic areas such as reading, writing, or mathematics and are not due to emotional, cultural, or educational factors. The hallmark of LDs is the gap between intellectual potential and academic performance. They arise from genetic and environmental influences, including hereditary factors, prenatal or perinatal complications, and limited educational exposure, but are not caused by sensory impairments.
In India, the prevalence of learning disabilities among school-aged children is estimated to range between 5% and 15%, with a pooled average of around 8–10%, with higher prevalence. They often co-occur with other conditions, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, highlighting the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary support for optimal learning and development.
Signs, Symptoms and Characteristics
Learning Disabilities (LDs) impact various dimensions of learning, encompassing reading, writing, mathematics, and nonverbal processing. Dyslexia, recognized as the most prevalent LD, affects reading and phonological processing, resulting in slow or inaccurate reading and diminished comprehension. Dyscalculia is characterized by challenges related to number sense, computational skills, and mathematical reasoning, whereas dysgraphia pertains to difficulties in handwriting, spelling, grammar, and written expression. Furthermore, Nonverbal Learning Disability influences visual-spatial abilities, problem-solving skills, and social comprehension, often intersecting with traits associated with the autism spectrum. Timely identification of these characteristics is critical for providing necessary support, thereby empowering children to achieve their fullest potential in learning and communication.
What To Do if You Suspect a Learning Disability
In instances where a child consistently encounters challenges with reading, writing, or comprehending classroom instructions, despite evident effort and appropriate teaching, it is imperative to pursue a professional evaluation. It is advisable for parents and educators to consult a multidisciplinary team, which may encompass Speech-Language Pathologists, pediatricians, psychologists, and special educators. Early identification is crucial in order to devise individualized educational and therapeutic interventions tailored to the child’s specific learning needs.
The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a vital role in the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of children with learning disabilities. They collaborate closely with teachers to identify early signs such as poor reading, spelling, or comprehension skills, and contribute to screening and referral processes within schools. SLPs conduct detailed evaluations to assess language processing, phonological awareness, auditory perception, and literacy-related skills that underlie academic learning.
Based on assessment results, they design individualized therapy programs targeting areas like language comprehension, vocabulary development, narrative skills, and reading–writing integration. SLPs also engage in classroom-based interventions and provide strategies to teachers for language-rich instruction. In addition, they conduct awareness and training programmes for teachers and parents to enhance understanding of learning disabilities, promote early identification, and foster supportive communication and learning environments at home and school.
By,
Sruthi K Vinod
Assistant Professor
Department of Speech Language Pathology
JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing
Mysuru.