Children with Poor School Performance for Specific Learning Disability

Background: Poor performance of school children has always been a cause of concern. Some students, grasping power may be very poor, some others may speak very slowly and many others may be confused with signs and make careless mistakes. Teachers and parents may know that the child is different, but may not be able to give the reason. Little do they realize that the child is suffering from learning difficulty, which is related to brain development that causes hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and attention problems. The aim of this study is to identify learning disability in children with poor school performance and to analyze their clinical profile. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study over a period of 1-year from July 2013 to June 2014 conducted at Kannur Medical College, Anjarakandy, a total 300 students with poor school performance were selected by their class teacher. To the parents of these children, a questionnaire was given regarding birth history, development history, and questions regarding warning signs of learning disability. The students were later assessed. Results: Out of the 300 students with poor school performance, parental perception of learning problems was seen in 106 students. Post assessment 39 (13%) students had learning disability. Association was found between low birth weight, preterm birth, language, social and motor developmental delay. Association was also found between learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: Learning disability was identified in a significant number of students. Screening children for learning disability should be there at the kindergarten level so that children can be identified and remedial measures initiated.