Learning Disability and Dyslexia Assessment in Jaipur

Understanding Learning Disabilities

A specific learning disability (also called specific learning disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference in how the brain processes written language or numbers. The main types are dyslexia (reading and spelling), dysgraphia (handwriting and written expression) and dyscalculia (maths). Children with a learning disability have normal intelligence, which is why their difficulties are so often mistaken for carelessness.

Learning disabilities commonly occur together with ADHD, and repeated failure at school can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, school refusal and behaviour problems. A good assessment looks at all of these, and also rules out problems with vision, hearing or general learning ability.

Common signs and symptoms

• Slow, effortful reading and frequent guessing at words
• Persistent spelling mistakes, or reversing letters such as b and d beyond the early school years
• Messy, laboured handwriting and difficulty putting ideas on paper
• Trouble with number sense, tables or the steps of a sum
• Doing well orally but poorly in written tests
• Taking much longer than classmates over homework
• Avoiding reading or school, or stomach aches before school
• Low confidence, frustration or saying ‘I am stupid’

Causes and risk factors

• Genetic influence; learning disabilities often run in families
• Differences in how the brain processes sounds, letters and numbers
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Co-existing ADHD or speech and language delay

When should you see a psychiatrist?

Consider booking an appointment if these difficulties have lasted more than two weeks, keep coming back, or are affecting your work, studies, relationships or daily routine. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable; early treatment is usually shorter and more effective.

How Dr. Surabhi Mathur makes a diagnosis

Your first consultation is an unhurried conversation about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your medical and family history, sleep, stress and any substance use. Where needed, Dr. Mathur uses standard rating scales and may suggest blood tests to rule out physical causes such as thyroid or vitamin problems. You leave with a clear explanation of what is happening and a treatment plan you have agreed to.

Treatment options

• Clinical assessment

  Developmental and school history, a look at notebooks and report cards, and screening for ADHD, anxiety and low mood, with vision and hearing checks where needed.

• Psychoeducational testing

  Standardised tests of intelligence, reading, writing and maths, carried out by a clinical psychologist, so the type and severity of the learning disability are clear.

• Remedial education

  Regular sessions with a special educator using structured, multisensory teaching; referral is arranged as part of the plan.

• School and exam accommodations

  Guidance on classroom support and on exam accommodations, such as extra time, a reader or a scribe, which boards including CBSE allow for students with a certified learning disability.

• Treating associated problems

  ADHD, anxiety or low self-esteem are treated alongside, since they often hold a child back as much as the learning disability itself.

How long does treatment take?

Learning disabilities do not go away, but with the right teaching most children read, write and calculate much better within one to two years, and learn ways around what remains difficult. Early help also protects confidence, which is often the bigger long-term gain.

Why choose Dr. Surabhi Mathur in Jaipur?

• MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist at Narayana Hospital
• Trained in psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Plans that combine therapy, medication and lifestyle care
• Strictly confidential, non-judgmental consultations
• Clinic in Nirman Nagar, Mon–Sat by appointment
• Hospital care at Narayana Hospital when it is needed