Specific Learning Disabilities and Psychiatric Comorbidities in School Children in South India

Abstract

Background:Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are an important cause of academic underachievement in children and are also associated with comorbidities like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which further have an impact on the child's education.Aims:To estimate the prevalence and psychosocial profile and psychiatric comorbidities in children with SLD in two settings, i.e., on special (remedial) education and schools and to compare the findings with normal children.Materials and Methods:This study was carried out in schools situated in urban and semi-urban areas and special education schools. A total of 96 children were chosen for the study. After taking informed consent from the parents, the details about socioeconomic status, family, developmental history, and school history of the children were collected on a semi-structured pro forma and then the children were screened for SLD. They were administered colored/standard progressive matrices and Malin's intelligence scale for assessing their intelligence quotient and NIMHANS SLD index and developmental psychopathology checklist to study psychopathology. Chi-square test and ANOVA were done.Results:The prevalence of SLD in schools is found out to be 6.6%. There was a significant association with prematurity, cesarean section, delayed speech, and family history of SLD. Among comorbidities of SLD, association with ADHD alone has been found to be significant.Conclusion:The most common type of SLD is combined type comorbid with ADHD. There is a need for early identification of learning disabilities in schools so that with early recognition and remedial intervention children can be helped with to cope with studies.

Profile of students referred for the assessment of scholastic backwardness at a tertiary care center

“…In a recent school-based study in South India (Andhra Pradesh), the prevalence of SLD was 6.6% in children aged 6–12 years, much less than in our sample. [8] Combined type of SLD was the most common type among our modest sample though classically dyslexia is the most common type. [14] There was over-representation of class 10 students in our sample.…”

Clinical Significance of Electroencephalography in Children with Specific Learning Disorders

“…14 Previous studies have suggested that premature birth, expressive language delay, and prenatal smoking exposure increase the risk of SLD. 1,[15][16][17][18] Children with a developmental history of expressive language delay are more likely to suffer from poor academic performance and various learning disorders. 19 These manifestations are more significant when dyslexia and dysgraphia are present.…”

Pattern of specific learning disability and awareness among care providers in children between 8-12 years

“…The same interpretation was found by Bandla S et al who showed that SLD children have significant school problems in the form of school refusal, poor academic performance. 3 Around 10 Students (43%) diagnosed as SLD was having a history of disciplinary action mainly in the form of imposition (made to write multiple times)and suspension and this finding was significant (P -<0.001) which is similar to the finding obtained from National centre for specific learning disabilities, New york which interpreted that one in every two students (50%) with Learning Disability faced a school disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion and 19% of students with Learning disability are dropped out of the school. 8 The prevalence of dyslexia was 2.5% (20 students).…”

“…[2][3][4] Early signs of learning difficulties may appear in the preschool years but they are only diagnosed after starting formal education. Formulating indigenous assessment tools for intelligence quotient and testing specific learning disability in various languages spoken in India would be a huge task.…”