Patterns of Specific Learning Difficulties in Primary School Children

The concept of dyslexia has been with us for nearly 200 years, yet its existence is debatable to some and doubtful for others. No standard psychological assessment exists to identify dyslexia / SLD¿s in Pakistan. This study was carried out to identify the patterns and signs of SLD¿s in school children of grade 4th and 5th (9 - 12 years) in public schools. 900 school children (48.30% boys and 51.70 % girls) were assessed on 8 individual and 10 group tests, measuring achievement and cognitive skills. The results were analyzed for three levels of achievement Above Average, Average, and Below Average . The analysis of data showed that achievement and cognitive problems are prevalent in all three levels of achievement, yet the functioning was not consistent with the diagnosis of SLD¿s. The results were discussed in the terms of cultural factors, education system and teaching methods prevalent in Pakistani schools.