There is a specific type of student who confuses everyone.
They are smart, witty, and can explain complex ideas out loud. They might be amazing at Lego, drawing, or sports. But put a pen in their hand or ask them to read a paragraph, and they freeze.
Parents often get told, “He’s intelligent, he’s just lazy,” or “She isn’t trying hard enough.”
But laziness is rarely the cause. Often, this gap—the gap between high intelligence and low academic performance—is the hallmark of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD).
The Science: The “Hidden” Disability
Specific Learning Disability is an umbrella term that covers issues like Dyslexia (reading), Dysgraphia (writing), and Dyscalculia (math).
The SLD-SQ (Specific Learning Disability-Screening Questionnaire) was developed to help teachers and parents spot these children before they lose their self-esteem.
Research by institutions like NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) emphasizes that early screening is vital. The SLD-SQ focuses on observing the child’s processing speed, memory, and language skills. It helps distinguish between a child who is just “weak in studies” due to lack of interest, and a child who cannot learn effectively because their brain is wired differently.
The Tool: SLD-SQ
This screening questionnaire is a first step. It asks about specific behaviors, such as:
- Confusing similar-looking letters (b/d, p/q).
- Trouble copying from the blackboard.
- Poor handwriting despite effort.
- Difficulty understanding time or money concepts.
👉 Take the Screen: SLD-SQ Learning Disability Screen
What To Do With Your Score
- High Risk Score: If the screen shows high risk, the next step is a formal Psycho-Educational Assessment.
- Formal Diagnosis: This usually involves an IQ test (like WISC) and an achievement test (like NIMHANS Index).
- Why It Matters: In India, a formal SLD diagnosis is a legal document. It entitles the student to mandatory concessions from boards like CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards, including:
- Extra time in exams.
- Exemption from spelling errors.
- Use of a calculator (for Dyscalculia).
- Drop a second language.
Safety & Disclaimer
This tool is for educational screening purposes only.
- Rule Out Basics: Before testing for SLD, always get the child’s vision and hearing checked. A child who needs glasses often looks exactly like a child with a learning disability.
- Emotional Impact: Never use the results to label a child as “slow.” Children with SLD often have average or above-average intelligence (like Albert Einstein or Steve Jobs).
References
- Kapur, M., John, A., Rozario, J., & Oommen, A. (2002). NIMHANS Index for Specific Learning Disabilities. NIMHANS Publications.
- Karande, S., & Kulkarni, M. (2005). Poor school performance. Indian Journal of Pediatrics.
- Mogam, P., & Sahu, K. (2012). Screening for Specific Learning Disabilities in School Children.