Bright Child with Low Academic Grades? Beware of Specific Learning Disorder

Farid Agung Rahmadi, a consultant paediatrician specialising in growth and development and social paediatrics, has revealed that children who appear clever yet obtain low academic grades may be experiencing a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).

In an online seminar held by the Indonesian Paediatric Association (IDAI) on Tuesday (15/9), Farid explained that SLD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The condition causes persistent difficulties lasting at least six months in core academic areas such as reading, writing or mathematics.

According to Farid, SLD is closely linked to weaknesses in certain cognitive processes. These include problems with phonology, working memory, information processing speed and the child’s visual-spatial abilities.

He emphasised that this condition often leaves children struggling in a particular academic area, even though they possess very strong abilities in other fields. “A child can participate actively in class discussions and have good non-academic problem-solving skills,” he said.

The doctor, a graduate of Diponegoro University, affirmed that SLD is not caused by low intelligence, laziness or improper parenting. He urged parents and teachers not to rush to label a child as lazy or stupid.

Warning signs to watch for include persistent learning difficulties, a gap between oral comprehension and academic results, and a child beginning to refuse to attend school. Early detection is key so that the child receives appropriate intervention.

Treatment for SLD aims to ensure the child’s potential develops optimally through support tailored to their needs. This process requires cross-sector collaboration, involving parents, teachers, health workers and professional psychologists. (Ant/Z-10)

Recent research has revealed that dyslexia in children can be detected earlier through eye movement patterns when viewing images, even before they learn to read.