We say a stigma is attached to a topic when it has many negative connotations and feelings associated with it. Due to this, people talk about it less often and when they do, they do so in hushed tones. The topic becomes a source of shame, and anyone who has to deal with it is subjected to insensitive questions and comments. Learning disabilities is one such stigmatized topic.
This article is not a form of medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Learning disabilities refer to a wide range of disorders that can hinder a child’s ability to read, write, speak, remember and organize information, or focus. This is because their brains are wired differently and as a result of this they process information differently. The conventional way in which information is presented to them does not serve its purpose. This in no way means that they lack the potential to succeed in comparison to other children their age. Some common learning disabilities include dyslexia (difficulty in reading), dyscalculia (mathematical difficulties), and dysgraphia (difficulty in focusing).
A child displaying the symptoms of a learning disability is often misunderstood as lazy, demotivated, or running away from work. In reality, though, it is inconsiderate to expect them to solve problems that they cannot process. It depends on the adults around them to identify these symptoms and provide them with help. If undiagnosed, learning disorders can cause problems in a person’s academic, social, and personal life even in their adulthood. Moreover, they can also give rise to other mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression. According to an Express Tribune article from July 2013, 1.8 million people in Pakistan suffer from learning disabilities. This number itself should be a reason to educate people on this subject and to not let more children miss out on the opportunity to reach their full potential due to no fault of their own.
How can you help?
As children grow older, they become more aware of their limitations. For this reason, it is important that those suffering from learning disabilities have an environment that is accepting. If you know someone, especially a child, who has or may have a learning disability, reach out to them. Hear them out when they complain about facing difficulties in school.
Humans tend to find something or someone to blame when they are in difficult situations. In most cases, placing blame is never a good idea. Especially not in the case of learning disabilities since these are mostly genetic. Moreover, seeking help never brings any harm. Contacting local hospitals will link them to many helpful resources. Once in contact with a professional, there are a number of ways they can help children deal with their difficulties. Additionally, a more recent development in helping children with learning disabilities and other disorders is online support groups. Not only do support groups give a sense of community, connecting with people who go through similar issues can be a great source of guidance.
Lastly, no person is defined by their limitations. Like all human beings, people with learning disabilities also have strengths and achievements, and these should be celebrated.
