Improving Scholastic Skills in Children with Specific Learning Disability- An Ayurvedic Approach

Abstract

Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is one of the major causes of scholastic backwardness in children. The characteristic features include persistent difficulties in reading, writing and mathematics despite adequate intelligence. The condition significantly affects cognitive, emotional and social functioning. In this article the effectiveness of selected Ayurvedic formulation is assessed in improving cognitive functions and scholastic skills in children diagnosed with SLD. Methods: Two children aged 11 years, diagnosed with SLD and having average intellectual functions were treated with Ayurvedic medicines for three months. Pre and post assessments were conducted using standardized neuropsychological tools, including Raven’s coloured progressive matrices (CPM), NIMHANS Specific Learning Disability Battery, Number Cancellation Test, and N‑Back Tests for working memory. Results: Both children demonstrated improvement in attention, working memory, and academic skills following treatment. A reduction in scholastic errors, decreased attention errors, improved task completion time, and enhanced working memory performance were observed. Mild improvement in overall cognitive efficiency was also noted. Conclusion: Ayurvedic intervention showed beneficial effects on cognitive domains such as attention, memory, and learning in children with SLD. The holistic approach of Ayurveda may serve as a supportive therapeutic option in the multidisciplinary management of SLD. Further large‑scale controlled studies are recommended to validate these findings.