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SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY Each child is unique in his abilities, talents and learning styles. These characteristics can contribute to their scholastic performance positively or adversely. All children make an effort to learn but some fail to learn effectively. ‘One possible reason could be the presence of Specific Learning Disability.’ Specific Learning disabilities manifest in childhood as persistent difficulties in reading (Dyslexia), writing (Dyscalculia) or do simple mathematical calculations (Dyscalculia) despite intact vision & hearing abilities, normal intelligence, conventional schooling, adequate educational opportunities and sufficient self-motivation. The most common learning disability is difficulty with reading. It should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing or motor handicaps; of Intellectual disability; of emotional disturbances; or of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantages. It can also interfere with higher level skill such as organization of information, abstract reasoning, long and short-term memory, attention span and concentration. Some children may have associated difficulties with motor coordination. They are diverse group of disorders where children possess problems in: - Processing information - Generating output. Specific Learning disabilities are more prevalent than we think. It is rightly said, “No other disabling condition affects so many people and yet has such a low public profile and low level of understanding as LD”, Washington Summit 1994 (Reid L, et al., 1994). It is very essential for every parent and school teacher to be aware of early warning signs of learning disability and its overall effects on child’s behavior in order to get the right help as soon as possible. Many children with learning disabilities remain undiagnosed and go through life with this “hidden handicap.” The resulting problems can lead to poor self- esteem, failure to thrive in school, and difficulty in the workplace. Timely diagnosis can help teach these kids the necessary skills for coping with and compensating for the learning disability. The earlier a learning disability is detected and timely and necessary help be extended, the better chance a child will have of succeeding in school and in life. Girard Sagmiller in his compostion - “Dyslexia My Life” rightly mentioned- “Dyslexia is not a disease to have and to be cured of, but a way of thinking and learning. Often it’s a gifted mind waiting to be found and taught.” Author Information: Dr. Dinesh Saroj Developmental Pediatrician MBBS, MD Pediatrics, F.L.D.N.D.P Fellowship in Learning Disability & Neuro developmental Pediatrics (Sion Hosp. Mumbai) Mob: 09970724628 www.drdineshsaroj.com

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