Back to Neurodivergency

Specific Learning Disorders

Specific difficulties with academic skills despite normal intelligence

"Cognitive processing issues, undiagnosed learning disabilities, and psychological traits often signal that a student is underachieving or leaning towards underachievement... Learning disabilities do not reflect a lack of intelligence but rather they reflect unique challenges in how some individuals process and understand certain information."
― Asuni LadyZeal

Diagnostic Criteria in India

Requirements for Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with learning disabilities by the Government of India, the child must:

  • Have an IQ of 85 and above
  • Be assessed by pediatricians regarding the specific deficits and psychologists regarding emotional and behavioral issues
  • Above 8 years of age or Grade 3
  • Diagnosed with NIMHANS Battery or GLAD Tools

Types of Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia

Affects language development & inability to read at age level

84% of dyslexic people are estimated to be above average in reasoning, understanding patterns, evaluating possibilities, and making decisions — Made by Dyslexia Charity.

Dysgraphia

Inability to write properly; form proper words on a page

While definitions vary, it is estimated that 10% to 30% of children experience difficulty writing — Chung, Patel & Nizami (PMC7082241).

Dyscalculia

Disrupts person's ability to understand numbers and math concepts

An estimated 25% of people have math-related learning difficulties but only about 6% of people will have dyscalculia — British Dyslexia Association.

Developmental Aphasia

Difficulties in understanding and producing language

It is suggested that developmental aphasics are incapable of perceiving auditory information at a normal rate, and this constraint on auditory processing speed may underlie their language impairment — Talla & Piercy.

Tips for How to Help A Child With Learning Disabilities — For Parents

  • Keep things in perspective. A learning disability isn’t insurmountable. Everyone faces obstacles. The important thing isn't the obstacle but your attitude towards it.
  • Become your own expert. Using websites online, second opinions, and resource hubs like ours can help gain perspective.
  • Be an advocate for your child. Speaking up to get help is not only helpful, but necessary.
  • Remember that your influence outweighs all others. Model good choices, logical reasoning, and kindness to everyone else and yourself — your child will follow.
"I didn't succeed despite my dyslexia, but because of it. It wasn't my deficit, but my advantage. Although there are neurological trade-offs that require that I work creatively [and] smarter in reading, writing and speaking, I would never wish to be any other way than my awesome self. I love being me, regardless of the early challenges I had faced."
-Scott Sonnen, Professional Athlete