Children with Learning Disabilities in Malaysia

Abstract

Learning disabilities may be manifested differently in children and are usually detected and become apparent when they start formal education. Adequate support for children with learning disabilities begins with the correct identification of their problems, which may, in turn, lead to a proper and accurate diagnosis followed by early intervention programmes. The focus of this chapter is to review research on the different types of learning disabilities experienced by children in Malaysia and to propose a possible way forward in helping them. Research on the different types of learning disabilities conducted in Malaysia is explored and the challenges or issues related to the problems with children who have learning disabilities in Malaysia are discussed. Based on the analysis of documents as well as a review of available research, it was found that currently, research on the different types of learning disabilities in Malaysia is very limited. Additionally, there are still unresolved issues around the support for children with learning disabilities in Malaysia. The discussion on the way forward is expected to provide authorities and policymakers, teachers, researchers as well as parents with specific information that can be used to support children with learning disabilities to achieve their optimal learning experiences.