Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Experts warn of undiagnosed learning disabilities in children
Experts say many children who are labeled as mischievous or disobedient might actually have learning disabilities.
These children often have normal or high IQs but struggle with specific tasks like reading, writing, or math.
Teachers and parents might mistake their difficulties for bad behavior, which can cause the children a lot of stress.
Experts advise getting professional help to identify and support these children properly.
They also say these children are entitled to special support in school to help them succeed in areas where they are strong.
Children labeled as mischievous or disobedient may have undiagnosed learning disabilities.
Learning disabilities can cause trouble with reading, writing, math, or recognizing letters.
Misinterpretation of these difficulties leads to emotional stress and low confidence in children.
Experts advise seeking professional evaluation and providing remedial education.
Children with learning disabilities are entitled to educational support under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework.
- Who
- Children with undiagnosed learning disabilities, parents, teachers, and medical experts
- What
- Misinterpretation of learning difficulties as behavioral issues
- When
- Ongoing issue, highlighted during a workshop on childhood NCDs
- Where
- Nagpur, India
- Why
- Lack of awareness and diagnosis leads to mislabeling and emotional stress in children
Parents and Teachers
Medical Experts
Behavioral Interpretation
Parents and Teachers
Parents and teachers often label children as disobedient, mischievous, or dull when they struggle with learning tasks.
Medical Experts
Medical experts argue that these behaviors may indicate undiagnosed learning disabilities, not behavioral flaws.
Response to Learning Difficulties
Parents and Teachers
Parents and teachers may scold or criticize children for their perceived disobedience or laziness.
Medical Experts
Experts advise seeking professional evaluation and providing remedial education to support children with learning disabilities.
- Prevalence of Learning Disabilities
- 2.16% to 30.77% in India
- Children Evaluated Monthly
- 6 to 8 children at AIIMS Nagpur NCD Clinic
- Percentage of School-going Children with Learning Disabilities
- 10% to 20%
- Common Learning Disabilities
- Trouble with reading, writing, math, or recognizing letters
- Impact of Misdiagnosis
- Emotional stress, low confidence, and potential school refusal
- Support Available
- Remedial education and concessions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework