The Physician’s Role in Approaching a Child with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Learning disabilities is one of the main reasons for a development consultation referral. It constitutes a problem that involves not only the child, but also his family, the school and health professionals. Children with learning disabilities are at greater risk of school failure and its persistence may have consequences both on their psychomotor development and future academic and professional career. Medical evaluation of children with learning disabilities requires a systematic approach to neurocognitive and behavioral areas, as well as socio-family characteristics, in order to identify and guide dysfunctions that may be responsible for the observed compromises. learning disabilities are often complex in their etiology and therapeutic orientation, requiring a multiprofessional and prolonged intervention with significant impact on the children and their families. Health professionals should articulate with the educational community through the authorized sharing of relevant information in order to help in planning the educational measures to be instituted by the school.