Detailed Analysis of the Problems Faced by Children with Learning Disorders in India

The issue of learning disabilities has always been a sensitive topic in India. Children with learning disabilities are often not diagnosed and their social problems not recognized. These children may suffer from a variety of disorders like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), etc. But in the long run, they are also prone to mental health disorders like clinical depression, anxiety disorders, etc. This is mainly due to the social environment in which they are brought up. In India, the LD (Learning Disability) movement is gaining momentum at present but the main difficulties lie in spreading awareness among the masses. Research concerning these issues are mostly carried out by NGOs and private agencies and there is no proper communication between the government and these organizations. There are also various complexities concerning the study of LD in India because of social, cultural and economic disparities among the people. In a country fraught with such diverse communities who have cultural, ethnic and racial differences it is an immensely onerous task to diagnose and identify such disorders. This is further aggravated due to the non-uniformity in educational policies throughout the country.

How can we help them?

Segregation of these children in special schools is not an acceptable alternative. But the absence of major educational reforms for their well-being prompts us to believe that it is the best option in the current situation. Awareness campaigns should be launched at the school level and parents must be educated about these issues so that they do not misinterpret their children’s difficulties. It is often seen that teachers and other students dismiss these issues. This is a result of ignorance concerning the situation. Even though very few schools in India have proper facilities for these children, teachers should be trained to handle students with special needs. Tolerance is also a very important aspect. Often these children face criticism and are ridiculed by their classmates who are not aware of these disorders. Other children need to learn to be more tolerant. These children need acceptance from society but they are becoming increasingly isolated. Education is the fundamental right of every child and they should not be denied whatever problems they may be facing. It is the duty of our society to offer opportunities to these children and help them to achieve their dreams. They are not different from the other children, they are just ‘special’.

Their situation in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new unprecedented situation across the world. This has led to the need for social distancing and ‘school’ for most children around the world now means waking up and sitting up from morning to afternoon staring at a computer or a television screen. This has adversely impacted many children who do not have learning disabilities and the student teacher interactive sessions are at a decline at present. This has become an even tougher ride for students having learning disabilities. The present education policies do not include inclusive measures for these children but the new situation could create a technologically friendly education system for these students. Even though many new national policies based on online education have been announced by the government, there has been no mention of a separate education policy for these children. The absence of face to face interaction with other people such as friends or teachers might have adverse effects on these children. The economic background of these children should also be considered since all parents might not have access to computers or smartphones which are necessary for attending online classes. Parents of these children are also adversely affected by the situation since they have to become the teachers now. The children don’t have access to their special educators or counsellors who would help them with their studies earlier.

In such a situation the government needs to come forward to help these children. According to India’s constitution the right to education is guaranteed to all children under the age of 14. These children should also be provided equal opportunities. Many NGOs have come to their aid but there is a need for balanced education policies for these children at the national level. Parents should also be advised to consult counsellors and they should be given appropriate training in order to help their children. These children should also have pre-planned routines so that they can cope better with the situation. Economically weaker sections should be given financial assistance so that they can purchase smartphones or other online gadgets. The government should also design suitable online courses for these children so that they can learn according to their capabilities. These children need to be accepted, not excluded from society and it is our duty to help them as best as we can. Let us all pledge to stand by these children and support them in these tough times.