Construction of a Battery for Specific Learning Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Background: Learning Disabilities are neurologically based disabilities and are associated with deficits in learning basic skills like reading, arithmetic and writing. Problems become evident when the child starts going to school and is unable to match up with other students of his age. With the growing awareness of the problem it is the need of the hour to have a battery on Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) with normative data based on a regional sample. The batteries which were being used for assessment were reviewed and their merits and limitations were evaluated on the basis of the reported limitations and clinical experience of the experts. Objective: The aim of the paper is to present the preliminary results of the pilot study conducted to try out the battery prepared for the assessment of Specific Learning Disabilities. Sample: 40 regular school children (6years to 16 years) with average intelligence. Design: The schools were selected purposely and students were selected through randomization. Tool: First draft of the newly constructed battery on Specific Learning Disabilities. Results: The results show the level of reading, writing and arithmetic of students studying in private and government schools. The paper shows the average time taken by the students to complete the subparts of the test. Their errors in reading, writing and arithmetic and spelling were carefully recorded. Possible reasons behind the performance of these students have also been discussed. Conclusion: The results obtained were helpful in finalizing the content of the battery and removing the ambiguous content. Keywords: Learning disabilities, battery, specific learning disabilities