Specific learning disorder (dyslexia, dyscalculia)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026A specific learning disorder is a lasting difficulty with reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) or maths (dyscalculia) that is unexpected for a person's age and ability. It is not caused by low intelligence or lack of effort. With the right teaching support, children can do well.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Difficulty reading fluently
- Poor spelling and handwriting
- Struggles with numbers and maths
- Academic underachievement despite average or above average IQ
How it is usually treated
- Psychoeducational assessment
- Specialised educational interventions
- Structured literacy programmes
- School accommodation plans
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child struggles with reading or writing”
- “Numbers and maths are very hard for my child”
- “My child is bright but marks do not show it”
- “Homework takes hours and ends in tears”
People who live with specific learning disorder may also notice ADHD, anxiety or academic pressure. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Seek help soon if a child is losing confidence, avoiding school or becoming very distressed. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if there is any thought of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
An educational psychologist usually carries out the formal assessment of reading, writing and maths. A psychiatrist can check for anxiety, ADHD or other issues that affect learning and help plan support.
Treatment and support
- Specialised teaching, such as structured reading programmes
- Accommodations at school, such as extra time
- Occupational therapy for handwriting where needed
- Support for confidence and anxiety
- Parent guidance on homework and encouragement
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists can look at attention, anxiety and mood alongside learning difficulty and guide families on next steps. A formal learning assessment is done by an educational psychologist. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist takes a detailed history from you, and from parents or teachers for a child, across home, school and work.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist leads the assessment and treatment plan. A clinical psychologist can help with skills, routines and support at school or work.
Between sessions
Reviews look at day-to-day functioning, and family involvement is built into the plan.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is dyslexia treatable?
Dyslexia does not go away, but teaching tailored to it helps children read and learn much better.
Does it mean my child is not intelligent?
No. Learning disorders occur across all levels of intelligence.
Who does the assessment?
Usually an educational or clinical psychologist. A psychiatrist can help with related conditions.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.