Study of Clinical and Academic Profile of Children Presenting to the Learning Disability Clinic in a Tertiary Care Centre

Mona Gajre | Chinmay Chaudhari | Zaheen Zehra | Arpita Adhikari

Abstract: Background: Specific Learning disabilities (SLD) are a diversified group of neuro - behavioural features illustrated by difficulty in mathematical abilities, efficient reading and writing. These disabilities often lead to low self - esteem, lack of confidence and negativity among the students. However, the signs and symptoms are often ignored by the teachers and the parents due to unawareness. Objective: This study is aimed to evaluate the clinical and academic profile of children presenting to the Learning Disability Clinic. Methodology: This is a cross - sectional observational study. A total of2656 students presented to the hospital with the symptoms of SLD, among them the students whose parents were willing to participate were included. The demographic, clinical and academic data were collected and analysed using R studio software (1.2.5001). Results: Of the total 2656 students, 80.5% (n=2139) were diagnosed with SLD. High number of students presented the impression of Dyslexia along with Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia (91.8%). Age, birth weight and the mother tongue were significantly associated with SLD (P<0.05). Clinical variables including neurological signs such as dysdiadochokinesia, finger identification, finger tapping, graphesthesia, left - right orientation, praxis and sequential tapping and academic variables including concepts of calendar and time, maths fluency, loud reading, better oral work, phonetical reading, spelling errors and poor organization of content are significantly associated with SLD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Learning disabilities can be diagnosed early by identifying certain clinical impressions, social behaviour and academic performance. Therefore, awareness among teachers and the parents concerning clinical and academic profile of students with SLD is crucial.

Keywords: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Learning Disability

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 3, March 2023,

Pages: 39 - 44