A Dyslexic Child:A Case Study

Learning disability is a generic term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and are presumed to be due to a dysfunction of the central nervous system. The actual prevalence of learning disabilities in the school-age population (6-17years) is estimated to be 4% to 5%. Dyslexia is a term often used for reading disability. It is the most common specific learning disability, accounting for approximately 80% of affected children. Children with dyslexia generally have difficulties in decoding, basic reading skills, and reading comprehension. They have difficulties not only in reading skill but are also in executive functions, social skills, and have emotional and behavior disturbances, including with-drawal, poor self-esteem, and depression. Hence, it is more essential to plan and implement systematic remedial program in treating dyslexics. The researcher adopted case study method. The specific problems related to reading skill of the chosen case was assessed using NIMHANS Index for Specific Learning Disabilities and Kucera-Francis list of basic sight words. Intervention was planned and implemented using multisensory approach and phonetic approach; his reading errors were corrected using marking system and his reading performance was compared after intervention. This paper highlights the intervention strategies, which can be used for children with similar problems.