A Study on Learning Disabilities among Secondary School Pupils in Nashik District, Maharashtra

This study aims to examine the prevalence of learning disabilities dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia among secondary school students in Nashik District, Maharashtra. A sample of 100 ninth-grade students from various private schools across urban and rural settings was selected using random sampling. The primary objective was to identify the gender-based differences in the manifestation of these disabilities. The Learning Disability Battery by Bhargava & Bhardwaj was used as the research tool, with a self-administered questionnaire focusing on the three key learning disabilities. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-tests to assess the significance of differences between male and female students. The results revealed significant gender-based disparities. Male students exhibited higher mean scores in all three disabilities, particularly in dyscalculia (t = 5.10, p < 0.01) and dyslexia (t = 5.89, p < 0.01), indicating a higher prevalence and severity of these conditions. While dysgraphia also showed a significant difference (t = 3.53, p < 0.01), the effect size was smaller. These findings emphasize the need for gender-sensitive approaches to identifying and addressing learning disabilities. Recommendations include implementing tailored instructional strategies, utilizing diverse learning aids, and fostering awareness among teachers and parents.