On 20th March 2024, a roundtable discussion on the challenges and solutions for dyslexia and dyscalculia took place at AIIMS, New Delhi, led by Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Director of the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Nand Kumar. The event, which included members and volunteers from the Mental Health Foundation and Tathagat Foundation, aimed to highlight and address the issues surrounding these learning disabilities. It initiated with a presentation that laid the groundwork for a dialogue on developing a comprehensive tool to support affected children and individuals, with an emphasis on uniting various stakeholders to combat these challenges through increased awareness, research, and improved treatment and remediation strategies. The discussion covered a variety of themes aimed at understanding and addressing learning disabilities more holistically.
A key takeaway was the focus on sensitive terminology to avoid stigmatization and the importance of categorizing disorders under the SLD spectrum thoughtfully, including acknowledging potential comorbidities. The need for a strategic approach towards screening, remediation, and parent education was underscored, alongside the early identification of warning signs. This comprehensive approach underlines the necessity of an integrated platform for identification, assessment, and support, marking a call to action for stakeholders at every level to collaborate in fostering an environment of understanding, support, and innovation to ensure individuals with dyslexia and dyscalculia can achieve their full potential.
