Early Intervention for Learning Disabilities in Sri

Lanka

CONTENT

IdentificationCausesHow many people are at risk?SignsCureEarly Intervention

CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT LEARNING DISABILITY IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY~

MARYANNE KOODA

HELP!

IdentificationTeachers are often the first to notice that a child may have a learning disability Unfortunately, they are the least empowered to act upon it!

Reasons for this are

•They are poorly paid

•Given no recognition for the efforts they put.

•Not given the necessary training they need.

BEST PRACTICE! Usually, several specialists work as a team to perform an evaluation. The team may include a psychologist, special education expert, and speech-language pathologist (SLP). Many schools also have reading specialists on staff who can help diagnosis a reading disability.

Role of School PsychologistsSchool psychologists are trained in both education and psychology. They can help to identify students with learning disabilities and can diagnose the learning disability. They can also help the student with the disability, parents, and teachers come up with plans that improve learning.

Role of SLPsAll SLPs are trained in diagnosing and treating speech- and language-related disorders. A SLP can provide a complete language evaluation as well as an assessment of the child’s ability to organize his or her thoughts and possessions. The SLP may evaluate various age-appropriate learning-related skills in the child, such as understanding directions, manipulating sounds, and reading and writing.

CausesCultural bias makes it difficult to discuss learning disability in Sri Lanka, as there are high expectations for academic achievement for children.

A state of denial is the most common reaction when parents realize that their children may have learning disability. Unfortunately denial deprives the child of the early intervention they need.

Researchers do not know exactly what causes learning disabilities, but they appear to be related to differences in brain structure. These differences are present from birth and often are inherited.

To improve understanding of learning disabilities, researchers are studying areas of the brain and how they function.

Scientists have found that learning disabilities are related to areas of the brain that deal with language and have used imaging studies to show that the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions differently from a typical brain.

Source National Institute for health and human development

How many are at Risk?Very little research is done in the field of learning disability in Sri Lanka.

The Ladyrigdeway Hospital has a clinic that is run for LD children, however there is insufficient collaboration between the different groups working in this field.

In 2003, Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health published research by the Lady Ridgeway Hospital findings where…

Out of 52 children 70%, were with difficulties in reading 60%,mathematics 55% writing 45% communication 50% motor skills 60% ADHD

Signs

The signs of learning disabilities vary from person to person.

In Sri Lanka its often difficult to differentiate between a student with learning disability, and a student that is struggling because they are not fluent in English.

Common signs that a person may have learning disabilities include the following:

Difficulty with reading and/or writing Problems with math skills Difficulty remembering Problems paying attention Trouble following directions Poor coordination Difficulty with concepts related to time Problems staying organized

Source National Institute for health and human development

CURE?

WE are often tempted to seek medication with the hope that learning disabilities will just go away.

Sadly, there is no magic formula! But devoted teachers and other professionals can make a difference in your child’s life.

Is there a cure for learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities have no cure, but early intervention can provide tools and strategies to lessen their effects.

People with learning disabilities can be successful in school and work and in their personal lives.

Find more information on early intervention for learning disabilities on our website writestartinternational.com

SUMMARY

1. Learning disabilities (LD) vary from person to person.

2. Researchers think that learning disabilities are caused by differences in how a person’s brain works and how it processes information.

3. There is no “cure” for learning disabilities.

One person with LD may not have the same kind of learning problems as another person with LD. Another person with LD may have problems with understanding math. Still another person may have trouble in both of these areas, as well as with understanding what people are saying.

Children with learning disabilities are not “dumb” or “lazy.” In fact, they usually have average or above average intelligence. Their brains just process information differently.

There is no “cure”. LD is life-long. However, children with LD can be high achievers and can be taught ways to get around the learning disability. With the right help, children with LD can and do learn successfully.