by BIS Correspondent
NASHIK, JUNE 8, 2015: The Prafulta Don Bosco Counselling Centre in Nashik organised a 13-day training programme –which began on May 2 - to help educators, counselors and parents teach children with learning difficulties.
Special educators, psychiatrists, occupational therapists and experienced teachers were at hand to address the 22 attendees.
In 2013, a study conducted by the University of Melbourne stated that every classroom is likely to have two or three children with learning disabilities. It added that some of these special children are likely to have more than one learning disability.
The most common learning disabilities in classrooms are dyslexia - which is the inability to read or interpret lessons and symbols; autism - a neurological disorder in which the child has poor social skills and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Dr. Kersi Chavda, a psychiatrist, introduced participants to the diagnosis of some psychological disorders. He further trained them in behaviour modification and communication skills.
Father Edward D'Souza, a special educator and Director of Prafulta Counselling Centre and Anjali Marwah, an occupational therapist, explained the 'what' and 'why' of learning difficulties.
Kala D'Mello, a special educator, Shobha D'Souza and Winifred Fernandes, Heads of Don Bosco Pre-Primary and Primary School, Matunga, respectively trained participants in how to teach special children.
The sharing of best practices between the specialized trainers and the trainees was most helpful. Father Jude D'Mello, the Director of Don Bosco High School & Junior College, commended participants, on the final day of the programme, for wanting to go beyond institutional norms to be able to do something for the differently-abled students.