Study of Specific Learning Disorder in Children with Poor Academic Performers

Objectives: To study the nature and prevalence of specific learning disorder in children with poor academic performance. Material and Methods: Total of 1483 children studying in 3 CBSE schools, aged between 6 and 12 years were screened. 312 children were found to be performing poor in academics. After simple randomization and further screening procedure 115 children were included in the study. Each child was assessed by interviewing with NIMHANS INDEX OF SpLD. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info 7 software. Results: The prevalence of poor academic performers was found to be 21.08%. The prevalence of specific learning disorder among children with poor academic performance was found to be 10.43%. Majority of poor academic performers have Specific reading disorder accounts to be 4.35% and Specific disorder arithmetical skills accounts to be 2.61%, Specific spelling disorder accounts to be 2.61%. And mixed disorders of scholastic skills accounts to be 1.74%.Conclusion: Specific learning disorder in school going children leads to poor performance in academics and school drop outs. Finding out the children with SpLD and early intervention helps to prevent school dropouts.