Training and Employment

Mumbai

When the Tripathis watched Taare Zameen Par, every member of the family was left teary–eyed.

The story of eight–year–old Ishaan Awasthi, who is labeled a problem child before his dyslexic condition is diagnosed, seemed a little too close to reality for Aniruddh Tripathi, whose son Akhil, was diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of 12.

“We had no clue Akhil was dyslexic. To make matters worse, he had behavioural problems, and was repeatedly punished at school. His diary would be full of remarks from the teacher. So much that there were no pages left in the diary,” recalls Tripathi. Even school teachers did not realise that Akhil was struggling with a disability.

“Although there were complaints about his behaviour and studies, not once did any teacher point out the fact that he had trouble reading, writing and calculating,” says Tripathi.

After repeated complaints, the distraught father consulted a psychiatrist, who diagnosed the problem. “Once the problem was identified, I put Akhil in another school closer to my house, where the teachers were known to us,” says Tripathi.

Akhil isn't alone. “The sad truth is that every child with learning disability has had to tackle humiliation, insult and discrimination at some stage,” says Masarrat Khan, CEO, Maharashtra Dyslexia Association (MDA), which has over 300 life members from Mumbai. Even parents of such children are not spared, she rues.

“Sometimes, it is the school teacher or school authorities. On other occasions, it is the peers who humiliate the child. At times, even family members or parents themselves create problems for the child,” says Khan.

Last year, the education department organised a workshop for over 1,500 school principals and 1,500 teachers to sensitise them about learning as well as physical disabilities. “Teachers identified nearly 1,200 students who could be suffering from learning disabilities,” says Khan.

Last year, the education department organised a workshop for over 1,500 school principals and 1,500 teachers to sensitise them about learning as well as physical disabilities. “Teachers identified nearly 1,200 students who could be suffering from learning disabilities,” says Khan.

Dr Madhuri Kulkarni, Dean of Sion Hospital, feels awareness about learning disabilities is increasing. “A dyslexic child is better off in Maharashtra than in any other state, as it has been recognised as a disability by our state government.” “There are several provisions made for such children,” she adds. There are several remedial teachers too, who are qualified to train such children, as children need remedial education twice or thrice a week.

But all's not well. While people in western suburbs have better access to remedial teachers, those in distant suburbs still face a problem as teachers are not easily available, states a doctor who deals with dyslexic children. Clearly, there's plenty of room for improvement.

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 Tuesday s and Friday 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 counselor 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.

Source: Schools learning to cope with disability, DNA, Mumbai, 27–December–2007.

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