Question

What is the role of peers in accepting and being sensitive towards children with learning disabilities?

Answer 1

1. Children need to understand that their friends with such needs are not dumb or stupid; they only need help with specific difficulties.
2. It is seen that when children grow up together, in the same school, they are much more accepting towards their peers as compared to a new child coming in with such needs.
3. Sometimes, these kids are cornered of not being accepted by their peers.
4. However, since these kids appear normal, just like their counterparts, they do not face too many social issues.
5. Through class talks, children can be made aware of the difficulties these kids face.
6. Children with a learning disability often show frustration since the efforts they put in do not come out to be as fruitful as others.
7. This frustration is usually in the form of physical aggression, which is not taken too well by the peers.
8. Teachers and school counsellors can intervene to tackle such situations. Since children with learning disabilities get some concessions during examinations, the other kids may find it unfair.
9. At such times, teachers should explain to the children that giving extra time or giving a reader or writer to the child is like giving a spectacle to a child with poor vision:
10. To keep up to the level of the peers; these concessions are necessary. Spreading awareness and being accepting to kids with a learning disability is a necessity in today’s time.