Demystifying Learning Disabilities: Ways of Early Identification

Learning Disability (LD) is an unexplained under achievement in specific aspects of language or mathematics despite the child being enthusiastic in learning with average or above average IQ. It affects children in lower, upper, secondary and tertiary institutions globally. 24% children in regular primary schools in Kenya experience LD. Its cause is associated with extrinsic factors in the learning environment. It makes children disenfranchised, develops a low self-esteem and eventually drops out of school if not helped. Effective Identification and intervention occurs at the age of 9 years (class 3). Early identification is done by; Differential Diagnosis- eliminating the possibility of having visual, hearing and mental impairments. Observation through closer association; Cluster symptoms signifying LD in language or math's and recommend for specialized assessment or follow family history. Impediments to effective early identification; ill teacher training in SNE in regular colleges, overcrowding due to FPE resulting in high pupil teacher ration hindering close teacher pupil interaction limiting early identification through close observation.