About the Book

The book is a pioneering guide to understanding and supporting children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). Written in clear language and enriched with visuals, the book demystifies complex medical, social, and educational concepts, offering practical strategies for teachers, administrators, and parents. By bridging policy with practice, it empowers stakeholders to create inclusive learning environments and helps reduce dropouts linked to hidden learning challenges. This essential resource envisions a future where children with SLD realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

About Author

Prof. Veera Gupta is a distinguished educationist, policy leader, and therapist whose four-decade career has helped in transforming India’s education landscape. She has been instrumental in shaping national policies and governance frameworks for UNESCO, UNFPA, WB, MoE, MSJE, UGC, NCERT, CBSE, RCI, and NCTE. A passionate advocate for children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), she has bridged policy and classroom realities through training programs, measurable frameworks, and extensive teaching at Jamia Millia University and NIEPA.

As a licensed counsellor with the NCERT, India and DDAI, USA, Prof. Gupta has guided learners, parents, and educators with empathy, focusing on neurological strengthening and holistic support. Her mentorship and workshops have inspired educators to embrace inclusion as philosophy, not just compliance, while her scholarship spanning has enriched discourse on governance and equity. Her dual role as policy architect and compassionate counsellor continues to inspire inclusive education as a mission.

Contents

Foreword/ v

Preface/ vii

Acknowledgement/ ix

Abbreviations/ xiii

CHAPTER 1

Deconstructing Specific Learning Disabilities/ 1

Characteristics and Development

Development of Innate and Acquired Abilities; Specific Learning Disabilities and Language Difficulties; Significance of Language in Learning; Connection between Language Learning and Neurological Pathways; Concept and Terminology of Specific Learning Disability; Strengths of Right-Brain Learners; Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities: Key Concepts

CHAPTER 2

Operationalising Policies/ 25

Policy Making in India; Availability of Policy Documents; Policy Making is Dependent on Federal Nature of Governance; Review of Policies Related to Infrastructure, Curriculum, Assessment and Enrollment; Bridging the Gaps: Strengthening Policy and Practice for Education of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (CwSLD) in India

CHAPTER 3

Status of Education of CwSLD in India/ 47

Sources of Data; Status of Enrolment of SLD; Status of retention and Progression of CwSLD; Dropout analysis

CHAPTER 4

Screening and Certification of CwSLD/ 61

Screening; Screening Tools; Informal Screening Tools; Medical Diagnosis and Certification; Diagnosis Prescribed Tests NIMHANS Battery; Diagnosis Others Tests NIPCCD; Samples of Report and Certificate; Issues and Challenges in Screening, Diagnosis and Certification of SLD; From Screening to Certification: The Roadblocks in SLD Support

CHAPTER 5

Teaching-Learning strategies for a CwSLD/ 75

 Theories for Teaching CwSLD; Focused Instructional Strategies for a CwSLD; Developing Reading skills; Spellings; Writing; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Various computer applications; Individualized Education Plan; Curriculum Modification/ Adaptation; Linking IEP with Curriculum Modification; NEP 2020 and SARTHAQ 2021 on SLD; Special Educators; Towards Inclusive Education for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities

CHAPTER 6

Assessment and Evaluation of CwSLD/ 93

 Examination Provisions; CCE: Formative Assessment Policy for CwSLD; Provisions in Formative Assessments for CwSLD; Board Exams or Summative Assessment Policy for CwSLD; Provision on Post School Examination; Towards Inclusive and Equitable Evaluation for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities 1

CHAPTER 7

Coping Strategies for Specific Learning Disabilities/ 107

 Counselling Services; Indigenous Therapies; International Correction Therapy; Case studies of successful SLDs in India and Abroad; Support and Interventions for CwSLD

CHAPTER 8

Preparation of Human Resources for Education of CwSLD/ 121

 Availability of Special Educators for CwSLD ; Availability of Trained Teachers for CwSLD ; Role of In-service Teacher Training Institution for CwSLD; Role of Counsellor in the Education of CwSLD; Qualification for Recruitment of different Personnel; Building a Multidisciplinary Support System; Annexure

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