By Aisha Bharmal, Principal, The Aditya Birla Integrated School (TABIS)
June is a month of decisions and dreams. For many families, it marks a new school year filled with hope and routine. But for others, it brings confusion, worry—and sometimes heartbreak—especially when a child is struggling to keep up in a mainstream classroom.
As an educator and school leader, I meet these families often. Their stories share a common thread. Their child is bright, curious, full of potential—but school feels overwhelming. Homework becomes a battleground. Mornings start with tears. Confidence fades. Eventually, a haunting question surfaces:
“Is there something wrong with my child?”
Let me be clear—there is nothing wrong with your child. But there may be something wrong with how your child is expected to learn
The Science We Overlook
Modern neuroscience and educational psychology are clear: All Children learn differently. Yet, most schools continue to teach as if every child processes information the same way. Sit still. Follow instructions. Learn at one pace.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 children globally may have a neurodevelopmental condition—such as ADHD, autism, or specific learning disabilities. In India, some studies suggest nearly 15% of children could benefit from tailored educational support. Yet, too often, these children are misunderstood or go undiagnosed.
Learning differences are not deficits. But they do require a different kind of teaching.
Signs to Watch For
If your child is showing signs of emotional or academic distress, it may not just be a “phase.” Here are some common indicators that your child may benefit from a different approach to learning:
- Avoiding school or frequent unexplained illnesses
- Difficulty recalling basic concepts, despite effort
- Gaps between verbal fluency and written expression
- Frequent emotional outbursts tied to homework
- Low self-worth; phrases like “I’m just not smart”
These are not signs of laziness. They are silent cries for help.
What Real Support Looks Like
For students who struggle in traditional classrooms, the right support begins with recognising that their needs are different—not lesser. Effective learning environments for such students start with thorough assessments that go beyond academics, exploring emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns.
When educators use these insights to tailor learning—through structured remediation, differentiated instruction, and, where needed, therapeutic support—students begin to re-engage. Importantly, this happens within a space where they feel emotionally safe and socially included.
At schools like The Aditya Birla Integrated School (TABIS), such methods are not seen as exceptions but as the foundation. The goal isn’t to simplify learning—it’s to personalise it. When children feel understood, they don’t just cope—they grow, often reaching outcomes comparable to those in conventional academic settings, but with far more confidence and joy in learning.
Changing the Narrative
Inclusive education is not a downgrade. Choosing a tailored school environment for your child is not a step back—it’s a step towards their potential.
We need to shift from asking, “Why can’t my child learn like others?” to “How can we teach in a way that my child understands?” Education should meet the child—not the other way around.
India’s education system is evolving, but we still have a long road ahead. We need more trained special educators, in-school counsellors, and a cultural shift from labelling to celebrating different minds. Many of the most successful innovators, artists, and thinkers didn’t follow conventional paths—but they were given the right foundation.
For Parents on the Fence
If you’re grappling with school decisions this month, know this: needing a different kind of education doesn’t make your child any less. It simply means they learn differently—and deserve to be taught accordingly. When children are met with the right environment—one that values emotional well-being alongside academics, builds on their strengths, and adapts to how they learn best—they don’t just improve; they flourish. Many educators today are rethinking success beyond marks, working quietly but effectively to ensure that students who once struggled now thrive—academically and beyond. The right approach can change the trajectory entirely. Your child hasn’t failed. The system just hasn’t caught up yet. With thoughtful choices, their story can—and will—be one of resilience, growth, and real achievement.
