AbstractObjectives: To measure the prevalence of specific learning disabilities (SpLDs) such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia among primary school children aged 8-10 years from 3rd and 4th standard in Gulbarga city. Materials and Methods: We have conducted a multi-school cross sectional study using stratified, randomized cluster sampling technique among primary school children aged 8-10 years from third and fourth standard in Gulbarga city. A six level progressive screening tests to measure scholastic backwardness, vision, hearing, physical handicap, IQ, reading, writing, mathematical disability were used to identify SpLDs.Results: 13.2% of primary school children are affected by one or more SpLDs where as 4.9% children had all three types of SpLDs. The prevalence of dyslexia is 11.0%, dysgraphia is 9.9% and dyscalculia is 9.0%. Conclusions: The SpLDs affect significant proportion of primary school children in Gulbarga. This study measured the prevalence of specific learning disabilities using simplified screening approach and tools, which minimizes the number and time of specialist requirement and spares the expensive investigation. This approach and tools are suitable for field situations and resource scarce settings. we conclude that there is need for more prevalence studies, remedial education and policy interventions to manage SpLDS at main stream educational system to improve the school performance in Indian children.
Keywords: Specific learning disability; Dyslexia; Dysgraphia; Dyscalculia; Prevalence; Scholastic backwardness.