Learning Disability A way forward….

1. Learning DisabilityA way forward…. Learning Disability Clinic L.T.M.G.Hospital & Tata Interactive Systems Mumbai

2. Specific Learning Disability Generic term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant unexpected, specific and persistent difficulties in the acquisition and use of reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) or mathematical (dyscalculia) abilities despite conventional instruction, normal intelligence, proper motivation and adequate socio-cultural opportunity.

3. Learning Disability • Common neuro-developmental disorder • Prevalence 5% to 15 % • Equal male : female distribution • Most likely to be familial

4. Contd..... • Across all socio economic classes • May occur along with other handicapping conditions. • Problems in learning to read,write, spell or do mathematics. • Presumed to be due to CNS Dysfunction.

5. What is not L.D.? • Mental Retardation • Borderline I.Q. • Sensory deficits: Vision, Hearing • Emotional disturbances • Attention deficits • Late maturation

6. Why early diagnosis ? • Early acceptance • Early intervention • Reduction in emotional problems • Effective main-streaming • Optimum development

7. Steps in Assessment Multi-disciplinary Approach • Medical history and examination • School history • Vision and Hearing tests • Psychological assessment • Educational assessment • Review of school reports • Counselor’s evaluation • Psychiatry evaluation • Case conference

8. Management • Remedial Education • Counseling • Treatment of co-morbidities • School Responsibilities • Encouraging Talents • Facilities / Accommodation

9. Challenges • Early Detection • Standardized Tests in regional languages • LD-friendly schools • Language barrier • Education Boards • Legal issues • Parents’ reactions

10. What can we do ? • Create Awareness • Organize Assessment • Guidance for management • Arrange Counseling • Support the family • Network

11. Awareness

12. Assessment Whose? When? Where? Who? How?

13. Quantum • Population in general • Child population • School-going population • Children with suspected L.D.

14. Maharashtra Edu. boardSSC Exam. March 2007

15. Region-wise

16. Repeaters

17. When? • Referral Stage a) Pre-referral screening b) School committee review • Assessment Stage a) Multidisciplinary evaluation b) Case conference, team meeting c) Writing of IEP • Intervention Stage a) Implementation of IEP b) Monitoring student progress

18. By whom? Multi-disciplinary Approach

19. Team • School teacher • Pediatrician/Pediatric Neurologist • Clinical Psychologist • Special educator • Counselor • ENT, Ophthalmologist • Psychiatrist

20. Management Issues • Trained remedial teachers • Counselors • Support from Government departments Curriculum for teachers’ training Courses for special educators/ counselors/ psychologists Curriculum for medical professionals

21. Key Messages • L.D.commonly present as school problems • Early detection :Early intervention • L.D. initiative in schools • Multi-disciplinary approach for diagnosis • Remedial Education • Provisions • Parent Support

22. Acknowledgement • All Deans – L.T.M.G.Hospital • Dr. Karande, Dr. Thadhani, Dr. Naik • Ms. Sholapurwala, Ms. Chitre • Ms. Shiledar, Ms. Vinita, Ms. Pethe • Ms. Jaheeda, Ms. Rohini • Staff of Dept. of Pediatrics • All children and their Parent

23. Thank you !