Understanding the Terms

• Assessment – is the collection of information to find out what is causing a child’s issues. It may involve tests, interviews and observations. These are done by doctors, specialists and educators.

• Developmental Delay – is when a child doesn’t reach a milestone by the age expected. This can involve language, thinking and social skills. Delays can cause learning or attention issues.

• Evaluations – involves testing to see if a child has a learning or attention issue and needs special education services at school. Results are usually discussed with a team of professionals.

• Learning Disability (LD) – is a condition that affects how the brain works with information. It can impact the ability to receive, process, store, respond and communicate.

• Specific learning disability (SLD) – is a condition that causes difficulty with certain areas of learning, like reading, writing or math. Learning issues like dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia are SLDs.

• ADHD – stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s a biological condition that can cause attention issues, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It often occurs with learning issues.

• Occupational Therapy (OT) – is a form of treatment that can help improve the skills needed for everyday tasks like writing. These include hand-eye coordination, strength and fine motor skills.

• Physical Therapy (PT) – is a form of treatment that can help improve the gross motor skills needed for walking, reaching and standing. It also helps with balance and muscle control.

• Speech Therapy (ST) – is a form of treatment that can help improve speech and language issues.

• Accommodation – is a change in classroom techniques, materials or environment. Accommodations help students work around their challenges.

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) – is a blueprint or plan for a student’s special education services experience at school

• Modifications – are changes in what’s taught to or expected from a student. The student may have a shorter or simpler assignment or may not be expected to learn as much as her peers.

• Screening – is a way to determine if a child has possible signs of a learning or attention issue. It may include observation, interviews, a brief written test and a review of school and health records.

• Remedial programs – Remedial programs are the various programs that try to help kids catch up in reading, writing, math and other subjects.

• Right to information (RTI) – RTI – Right to Information Act means that citizens can request for information from state or central government departments and offices. And such request should be processed in a timely way as mandated by the RTI Act.

• Right to Education (RTE) – Right to Education Act (RTE) is an act, which describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between the age of 6 to 14 years in India.