Learning Disabilities for Children - A Unani Study
	Learning disability refers to a group of disorders that affect a broad range of academic and functional skills (not due to hearing or vision disorder) including the child’s ability to :         - Read         - Write         - Spell         - Mathematical abilities * A learning disability is not indicative of low intelligence. * Children with learning disabilities have difficulty in achieving their expected intellectual level because of deficient brain functioning. * About 2% to 10% of children suffer from these disabilities. Probable Causes : * Genetic (hereditary predisposition) * Mother’s intake of alcohol during pregnancy. * Abnormal development of brain in the womb. * Low birth weight of the child. * Premature delivery * Head injuries * Lead poisoning Reading Disabilites * Most common learning disability. * Child’s reading ability is below the expected level for his age, education and intelligence. * Reading disability causes significant harm to child’s school performance. Signs and Symptoms * Impaired ability to recognize words. * Slow and inaccurate reading * Poor comprehension - cannot understand what he/she has read * May be able to copy from printed text correctly but spellings are poor * Child avoids reading and writing. Mathematics Disability It is child’s disability in performing the mathematical calculations expected of his/her age, intellectual capacity and educational level. Mathematic disorder can occur in olation or with language and reading disabilities. Signs and Symptoms * Difficulty in recognizing numbers and learning to count. * Difficulty in learning basic mathematics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and sequential operations. * Problem in understanding mathematical terms and in converting written problems into mathematical symbols. * Poor performance in the subjects requiring above skills like maths and science. Disability in Writing It refers to childs writing skill significantly below the expected level for his age, intellectual capacity and education. Signs and Symptoms * Too many spelling mistakes * Large number of errors in grammar and punctuation * Poor performance in composing written text. * Impaired ability to place works sequentially. * Paragraphs are disorganized and not in proper sequence. * Poor performance in the school. Psychological Impact of learning disabilities on the child * Frustration, anger and low self-esteem due to repeated failure in school. * Ashamed that they are unable to read or have poor handwriting. * Nervous tension when the child is forced to “try harder” by people who don’t recognize the reason for learning difficulty. * Depression as the child slowly gets secluded, isolated and hopeless. Do’s and Don’ts for learning disorders * Get the child examined for vision or hearing defects first. * Once the learning disorder is diagnosed, help or remedial educator may be sought to develop educational plan according to the child’s needs. * Improve child’s skills by involving him/her in small structured reading/writing/mathe matical activity or through toy games for the type of disability. * Guide the child properly; praise and reward them as often as you can. * Encourage child’s strengths, interests and abilities. * Don’t reject, criticize or ridicule the child. What can unani do? Unani medicines together with remedial therapy for correct educational approach are helpful in overcoming the child’s learning disability.