Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Accessibility
  • Guidelines amended allowing psychiatrists to diagnose specific learning disabilities (SLD)

Guidelines amended allowing psychiatrists to diagnose specific learning disabilities (SLD)

Children in a classroom
Accessibility December 17, 2020
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

In important news for parents, caregivers and medical professionals, the Government of India has amended the 2018 guidelines notified for the purpose of assessing specific learning disabilities In the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. This means psychiatrists will once again be allowed to diagnose such disabilities along with paediatricians.

“In paragraph 22.5, for item (b), the following item shall be substituted , namely:- “ (b) Paediatrician or Paediatric Neurologist or Psychiatrist (where available)‟

This important notification issued on 9 December by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India, finally amends the guidelines issued in January 2018 for the purpose of assessing the extent of specific disabilities in a person.

This means that along with a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist, a psychiatrist can also assess specified learning disabilities (SLD).

Disability certification made easier

“Before 2018, psychiatrists were allowed to diagnose children with SLDs”, says Dr Satendra Singh, Co-founder, Doctors with Disabilities, the pan India group of medical professionals with disabilities. “For some strange reason when the gazette notification of the guidelines for learning disabilities was released in January 2018, this was removed.”

The removal of psychiatrists came despite the presence of the Head of Department, Psychiatry, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi on the committee.

“As a result, many children in Delhi and other places were facing problems in getting certification. I am glad better sense prevailed as will help expedite disability certification among people with SLD”, adds Dr Singh.

Unnecessary confusion and turmoil were caused to parents as doctors were also unaware of the correct process.

Another welcome mention in the notification is that the National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Battery shall be applied for diagnostic test for SLD.

“Any person having tested positive on NIMHANS Battery shall be considered as a person with benchmark disability i.e., disability of more than 40%”, says the notification issued by the DEPwD earlier this month.

Also Read:

  • Saiyanshi Pathania, teen with a learning disability, tells stories of positivity on her YouTube channel

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature disability stories or share disability news with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Get-hooked

#WonderWoman - Mariyath's grit & determination in the face of disability makes her a youth icon

Get-hooked

Deaf actor Abhinaya looks forward to global release of first English feature film

Get-hooked

'If you want people to believe in you, then believe in yourself' - My Take by Vikram Agnihotri, double arm amputee rally driver

Get-hooked

#ChampionsWithCP – Miranda House student Anushka Tiwari aims to make the world a better place for people with disabilities

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.