Learning disability and behavior problems among school going children

Abstract

Parents are often worried when their child has learning problems in school.  There are many reasons for scholastic problems one of them is specific learning disability (LD). Children with learning disabilities can have intelligence in the normal range but the specific learning disability may make teachers and parents concerned about their general intelligence. Often, these children may try very hard to follow instructions, concentrate, and “be good†at home and in school. It is found that 15% - 30% of LD children have emotional and behavioral difficulties. Aim: The aim of the study is to identify the children with learning disabilities in schools and to compare their behavioral problems with normal children. Method: For the purpose of the study 327 children (215 boys, 112 girls) sample were taken from regular schools at Warangal, India. The age range of the school children is 6 to 14 years. The sampling was based on random sampling. The tools Rhode Island Pupil Identification Scale, Learning Disabilities Checklist and Children’s Behavior Rating Scale for Completion by Teachers were used. Results: The results revealed that 19% students were suffering from learning disability in the schools. Children with learning disabilities are exhibiting significant behavioral problems than normal children in the form of hyperactivity and aggression. There is also gender difference on hyperactivity and aggression on children with learning   disability.