Dyslexia: emotional and psychological effects in relationship with the social behaviour of caretakers in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the socio-emotional and psychological aspects of children with learning disabilities starting from an early age. It includes the perception and behaviour of caretakers (parents and teachers). The paper contains first-hand information collected through semi-structured interviews of 12 parents who are also primary school teachers at a public school in Taluka Matli, rural Sindh, Pakistan. The study concludes that teachers’ knowledge regarding learning disabilities is minimal, and they lack professional training to deal with such students. It also provides evidence that teachers and parents practice corporal punishment, which ultimately affects the lives of children with learning disabilities. The study presents a case study of a child with learning disorders on his father’s account, which highlights other aspects of a learning disorder. This paper also focuses on the possible adverse effects of parental behaviour in Pakistani society concerning corporal punishment as social behaviour. It may help parents and teachers to identify the characteristics of learning disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD from a very early stage of childhood.