At what age can a learning disability be diagnosed?

While signs can appear in preschool, a formal diagnosis is often made after a child begins formal schooling, around age 6 or 7, when the gap between potential and achievement becomes clearer. However, early screening for risk factors can start as early as 4-5 years.

Is a learning disability the same as an intellectual disability?

No. Children with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence but have a specific difficulty in processing information. Intellectual disability involves broader cognitive limitations.

Can children outgrow learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities are lifelong. However, with early identification, effective strategies, and targeted interventions, children can learn to compensate for their challenges and achieve tremendous success academically and in life.

What professional should I consult for a diagnosis?

A Developmental Psychologist or a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in psycho-educational assessments is best suited. They often work with a team including special educators and therapists for a holistic view.

My child is struggling in school. Does this automatically mean they have a learning disability?

Not necessarily. Struggles can stem from various factors like vision/hearing problems, emotional stress, or gaps in instruction. A professional evaluation is crucial to determine the root cause.

The Crucial Role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in School Readiness

Expert tips from Dr. Devi Raj at Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam.

Psychologist, Licensed Early Interventionist & Certified Life Coach

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Dr Devi Raj - Chief Interventionist

At Pranaah Autism & Child Development Center, Kollam- we, with our team of dedicated and trained professionals, assess and provide all the essential therapy for children with developmental delays. Our main goal for establishing Child Development Centre at Kollam, Kerala is to provide subsidized medical assessment and therapy to children.

We give every child the utmost care and attention, monitoring their progress every month with thorough check-ups. We take patient confidentiality very seriously; making sure the child’s environment is always safe, secure and comfortable.

Our team consist of

Early Interventionists
Neuro-developmental Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech Therapists
Counselling Psychologists
Clinical Psychologists
Remedial Educators
Social workers

The Crucial Role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in School Readiness

Introduction

School readiness is about so much more than knowing ABCs and 123s. It’s about a child’s ability to successfully participate in the classroom environment—to sit comfortably, hold a pencil, manage emotions, play with peers, and follow instructions. This is where Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a transformative, yet often overlooked, role.

What is Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics?

In the context of children, "occupation" refers to the essential activities of their daily life: playing, learning, and self-care. Pediatric Occupational Therapists help children develop the underlying sensory, motor, and cognitive skills they need to master these occupations and become confident, independent learners.

Key Areas Where OT Builds School Readiness

1. Fine Motor Skills & Handwriting Readiness:

The Issue: Weak hand muscles, poor pencil grip, and difficulty with scissor use can make writing and craft tasks frustrating.
OT's Role: Through play-based activities, OTs strengthen hand arches, improve dexterity, and teach proper grip, setting the foundation for legible handwriting.

2. Sensory Processing:

The Issue: A child may be overwhelmed by noisy classrooms, avoid messy play, or constantly seek movement, disrupting their ability to focus.
OT's Role: OTs identify sensory processing differences and create "sensory diets" or strategies to help the child stay regulated, calm, and alert for learning.

3. Self-Care & Independence:

The Issue: Difficulty with buttons, zippers, opening lunch boxes, or using the toilet independently can affect a child's confidence at school.
OT's Role: They break down self-care tasks into manageable steps, building independence and reducing anxiety.

4. Visual Perceptual Skills:

The Issue: Trouble distinguishing between similar letters ('b' and 'd'), copying from the board, or completing puzzles.
OT's Role: Activities that enhance the brain's ability to interpret visual information, crucial for reading, writing, and math.

5. Gross Motor Skills & Postural Stability:

The Issue: Poor core strength can lead to slouching, fidgeting, and fatigue during desk work.
OT's Role: They work on core strength, balance, and coordination, enabling a child to sit upright and focus their energy on learning, not on staying upright.

6. Social-Emotional & Play Skills:

The Issue: Challenges with sharing, taking turns, understanding personal space, or managing frustration.
OT's Role: Through guided play, OTs teach social rules, emotional regulation techniques, and cooperative play skills.

Partnering for Your Child's Success

At Pranaah Child Development Centre, our Occupational Therapists work closely with families and our core team to create seamless readiness programs. Under the guidance of Dr. Devi Raj, Developmental Psychologist, Licensed Early Interventionist, and Chief Interventionist, we ensure a holistic approach that addresses all facets of your child's development.

Serving the families with our professional services from Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Kundara, Paripally, Punalur, Pathanapuram, Varkkala etc.

FAQ on OT and School Readiness

Q1: My child is smart but clumsy and struggles with writing. Can OT help?
A: Absolutely. OT directly addresses the underlying motor planning, strength, and coordination issues that cause clumsiness and writing difficulties, turning frustration into competence.

Q2: How is OT different from physical therapy (PT)?
A: PT focuses on gross motor skills like walking, jumping, and overall strength. OT focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and the cognitive-perceptual skills needed for daily activities and classroom participation.

Q3: What does an OT session for a preschooler look like?
A: It looks like play! Sessions are child-led and fun, involving obstacle courses, play-doh, swings, puzzles, and crafts—all strategically designed to target specific developmental goals.

Q4: When should I consider an OT evaluation for school readiness?
A: Consider an evaluation if your preschooler shows significant avoidance of fine motor tasks (coloring, cutting), is overly sensitive to sensory input (sounds, textures), has extreme difficulty following routines, or appears much less coordinated than peers.

Q5: Can OT help with behavior problems in class?
A: Yes, often. What appears as "behavior" (fidgeting, acting out, withdrawing) can stem from sensory overload, frustration due to motor challenges, or difficulty with transitions. OT identifies the root cause and provides coping strategies.