Dealing With Learning Disability

Almost everybody is captivated by the innocence of children — they are so sweet, so guileless. Today’s kids are actually smarter than even computers! Little children these days are so sharp in actual fact that some of their activities compel us to bite our fingers between our teeth in sheer amazement! Unfortunately, though, there are certain children who, although, appear normal and are able to get by their day-to-day activities without any difficulty, find it a challenge to get through some simple activities. For example, recognizing letters and simple calculations. This particular problem in children is termed, ‘Learning Disability.

If a parent notices any one of the following symptoms in their child, then they have to consider or be aware of the fact that the child may have a learning disability.

• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty speaking or halting speech
• Difficulty in recognizing letters of the alphabet
• Reading the alphabet upside down
• Difficulty with simple arithmetic 
• Interchanging placement of digits of a number
• Inability to write
• Illegible handwriting

Learning disabilities can present in many ways:

Dyslexia – Dyslexic children present with reading disabilities wherein their reading skills are below expectation for their age. Such children usually struggle with recognizing letters of the alphabet.

Dyscalculia – Children with dyscalculia often find it difficult to count objects. Simple arithmetic is a challenge to them.

Dysgraphia – The child is unable to write coherently.

Dyspraxia – This disorder causes difficulty in activities requiring coordination and motor skills. The child may find it difficult to hold a pencil, jump, speak, and may not even be able to do up his/her buttons or shoelaces.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) – Children with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate beyond very short periods of time. However, if a particular activity interests them very much, they tend to perform it better than most.

In young boys and girls, learning disabilities present as an inability to read easily, inability to read out loud, and an inability to grasp the meanings of a poem, joke, riddle, or adage. It can also present as difficulty in time management and struggling with simple maths problems. Learning disability is a genetic disorder. It primarily affects a particular part of the brain center which is responsible for reading, writing, or spelling in the child’s neuro-biological system. If even one parent has such an ailment there is a considerable chance of it appearing in the child.

If your child exhibits any of the above-mentioned symptoms please do consult either a pediatric occupational therapist, a remedial educator psychologist, or a child counselor; and if required even a psychiatrist. Upon consultation with a remedial educator, understand and learn the therapy required for treatment and accordingly teach it to your child in the suggested manner. Encourage children to take part in those activities which would benefit them in overcoming such hurdles. Read out loud to your children and also encourage them to listen to audiobooks. Inspire them towards speaking out loudly when they read.

Speak to your child’s teachers, let them know of your child’s shortcomings so that they can give your child the required assistance they may need. Many schools, these days, have alternative systems of education in place for children with special needs. Adopt this system and with the help of the teachers, you could create a special learning programme, tailored according to your child’s needs. Encourage children to develop an interest in sports such as swimming, lawn tennis, and badminton. This will help improve their motor skills. Join parent-support groups who also have dyslexic children. Such groups will help you to share your parenting struggles and in turn, listening to their experiences will help you with your own child.

Spend as much time as possible with your children.

To aid concentration and increase memory, get your children to regularly practice yogasanas such as Anulom-vilom, Suryanamaskara, Tadasana, Garudasana, and Dhyana. Make sure that you also take part in these activities with your child. Try to obtain a certificate of learning disability from a government hospital, in your child’s name. This certificate will help claim benefits such as extra time given for written examinations, arrangement for a writer in place of the pupil, allowing usage of calculators, etc. Nowadays, special keyboards are also available which aid such children with writing disabilities.

Another solution to this problem could also be found in adopting the ‘Narayan Reiki’ techniques. Primarily, by adopting and utilizing positive affirmations for your child. For this, you may make use of any beneficial prayer books. Repeat and reiterate that your child is the best child in the world. The Reiki should be performed using child techniques. Sit with your child as he concentrates upon the Shanti Kalash and the sun’s rays. Balance your karmic account. Practice speech meditation and remain positive.

Remember! Your child is unique and you have to make him believe so.

Also, know that if you bring up your child keeping in mind his shortcomings but encouraging his positive points then he will undoubtedly be able to make a unique place for himself in this world. Bill Gates, Walt Disney, and the great scientist, Albert Einstein have also struggled with learning disabilities in their childhood but they overcame their shortcomings and went on to establish their names in history, forever!

Learning disability is a genetic disorder. It primarily affects a particular part of the brain center which is responsible for reading, writing, or spelling in the child’s neuro-biological system. Encourage children to take part in those activities which would benefit them in overcoming such hurdles. By encouraging them to do sports such as swimming, lawn tennis, and badminton. This will help improve their motor skills and also Spend as much time as possible with your children.