‘3-6% kids suffer from dyslexia, attention deficit’
LUCKNOW: A three-day workshop on dyslexia, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders was organised by Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow in collaboration with the department of development of persons with disabilities, Government of UP. It was inaugurated on Wednesday by Prof Nishith Rai, vice-chancellor of the university.
Rai averred that there is an imperative need to identify learning disability (LD) in children. This will help reduce the stress and tension caused by learning disability due to poor academic performance of children. He said children with LD command unique skill of creativity. The need is to channelise their capabilities in the right direction. This requires joint efforts by parents, teachers and the civil society.
He further added that rough estimates show that about 3-6% children suffer from dyslexia and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. However, in order to arrive at exact number of children suffering from these disorders grassroots surveys need to be conducted. This will facilitate rehabilitation process.
While dwelling upon the causes and remedies of LD, Dr Philip John from Peejays Child Guidance Clinic (CGC), Cochin (Kerala) highlighted the need to know about the fundamentals of the working of left and right parts of the brain.
Dr John said that the left brain comprises the attributes of handwriting, reading, writing, spelling, listening, speaking, languages, generating ideas, calculation and computations, reasoning and analytical skills etc.
The right brain is composed of skills of music or dance, fantasy or imagination, drawing or painting, navigation or exploration, stitching or sewing, motors or machines, leadership skills, acting or mimicking, crafting or designing, sculpture or horticulture, cooking or homemaking, sports or games, repairs or mechanisms and management or team skills etc.
He suggested that suitable ‘screening kit’ be developed to find out LD in children.
Dr AK Verma, joint director, Department of Development of Persons with Disabilities spoke about the aims and objectives of the workshop. Dr Arvind Sharma conducted the proceedings.
Brijendra Singh delivered welcome address. Prof AK Dubey proposed vote of thanks. Dr Johann Philip, Anu Margaret Clitus, Prof. AP Tiwari, Amit Kumar Singh (Deputy Director), Akhilesh Bajpai and teachers were also present.
The workshop is being attended by teachers of public and private institutions from Allahabad, Bareilly, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Lucknow districts.
These teachers will act as master trainers. The basic premise of this workshop is to create awareness about LD in the society, said AP Tiwari, academic advisor to vice chancellor and media spokesperson of the university.