Assessment and Management of Learning Disability: A Case Report

Abstract

The performance of school going students is determined by gamut of factors. The traditional view that intelligence is the most potent factor which determines academic performance has been challenged based on research and clinical work. The performance of the school going students is significantly effected by emotional and other non-cognitive factors. These non-cognitive factors include persistence of negative psychological states like depression, anger, excessive anxiety etc. Learning disability is also one of the factors which impairs academic performance of the school going students. The term “learning disability” has emerged from the need to identify and serve the children who continuously fail at school, yet are not intellectually disabled. In 1905, Witmer's case of child with larding problems gave impetus to the discipline of clinical psychology. There has been less focus on learning disability in school going children in India. The school teachers and administrators are less sensitive to these issues in students. Over the last few years, however, there has been an increase awareness of these important issues in schools and other academic set ups. The current paper will highlight the nature of learning disability, its assessment and interventions to work with students with these issues. The paper highlights the importance of trained special educators, mental health counselors and other similar professionals who can work in school set up to help school going children manage learning disability and similar issues. It has implications such students’ academic and emotional well-being.