Beena Johnson
Department of Child Guidance, Baby Memorial Hospital.
Abstract
Learning disorders are common developmental disorders seen in the school-age children.
The intelligence quotient of these children will be normal. But they will have significant difficulties in using the key academic skills. The prevalence among school-age children is 5% to 15% across different languages and cultures. Children with specific learning disorder can have impairment in reading, writing and mathematics. 62.2% of the children with learning disorders have comorbidities which include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, developmental coordination disorder, language disorder and mood disorder. The poor academic performance due to learning disorders cause significant stress for children, their parents and teachers. Hence early identification of students with learning disorders is essential and individualized interventions should be provided at the earliest. The treatment for learning disorders is continuous administration of individually tailored one to one remedial education program, which will definitely help in acquiring victory over learning disorders. Comorbid problems also should be managed scientifically. Prevention of learning disorders is a much more efficient approach in management. Early interventions in kindergarten-age children, focusing on learning difficulties, will prevent the development of learning disorders.
