Why IsoKinder?
Understanding the importance of early identification
1 in 12 kids in INDIA have Learning Difficulties
Country-Wise Learning Difficulties Statistics in Children (PERCENTAGE)
UK
10-15%
Australia
10-16%
Japan
2-4%
USA
5-15%
Germany
4-6%
Canada
5-10%
Laws and Policies
The Rights to Persons with Disability Act 2016, India (RPWD)
The Rights to Persons with Disability Act 2016, India (RPWD) emphasizes early detection of learning disabilities and mandates government-funded and recognized educational institutions to take suitable pedagogical measures and provide for inclusive education.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aligns with the RPWD Act by mandating the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular schooling. It emphasizes the importance of early recognition and intervention to support the academic progress of these children. Additionally, the NEP 2020 encourages the use of technology to highlight each child's strengths, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for all students.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Learning difficulties are often misunderstood, leading to ineffective identification and intervention, which undermines a child's experience at school. Despite initiatives like the 2015 NCERT handbook on special needs inclusion, many schools prioritize top-performing students, neglecting those with learning issues and worsening their academic struggles.
Early identification is crucial. Signs of learning difficulties can appear in kindergarten, but diagnosis is often delayed until elementary school, contributing to significant challenges, reduced motivation, and self-esteem issues. Integrating technology in screening processes enhances early detection, allowing timely intervention and tailored support, fostering a inclusive educational environment for all.
Need for a Screening Tool
Nearly 8-12% of children in India have Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). Despite inclusion under the RPWD Act 2016, diagnosing SLD is complex due to the lack of a universally accepted screening tool. India's linguistic and cultural diversity further complicates this, as most existing tools are in English.
Developing a culturally and linguistically appropriate screening tool is essential. Accurate diagnosis and certification of SLD are necessary to ensure children with SLD receive equal opportunities and rights. A standardized tool would facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, supporting the inclusive objectives of NEP 2020 and consistent identification across the country.
Cognitive Training
Children with learning difficulties face significant cognitive challenges. Early identification through screening allows for timely, tailored interventions that improve skills like memory, attention, reading and writing.
Studies show that combining cognitive intervention programs with music therapy or computerized cognitive training, benefits children with learning difficulties. These interventions enhance working memory, attention, and impulsivity, leading to better academic performance. In turn, it also improves social skills, avoids isolation and supports a child's overall development.
Discovering a child's potential early is crucial for their future. By understanding individual strengths and challenges, we empower children to excel academically, socially, and emotionally, paving the way for a brighter future.