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SC Closes Petition on Adult Dyslexia Testing, Notes 3-Year Research Timeline

The Supreme Court has disposed of a petition highlighting the lack of mechanisms to diagnose specific learning disabilities like dyslexia in adults. The court noted that the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is conducting research to develop appropriate assessment tools for adults, which are expected to be ready within three years. While acknowledging the petitioner's grievance, the Bench also observed his academic achievements, including a Ph.D., indicating the disability had not significantly hampered his progress. The petitioner has been granted liberty to seek revival of the proceedings if no development occurs within the stipulated timeframe.

Key Points: Supreme Court on Adult Dyslexia Assessment Research

  • Petition on adult dyslexia testing disposed
  • NIMHANS developing adult assessment tools
  • Tools expected within 3 years
  • Petitioner's academic success noted
  • Liberty to revive if no progress
3 min read

SC closes petition on adult dyslexia testing, records ongoing research​

Supreme Court disposes of petition on adult dyslexia testing, records NIMHANS research to develop assessment tools within 3 years.

"We deem it appropriate to close these proceedings by recording the stand of NIMHANS that they are working on assessment tools/tests for determining specific learning disability amongst adults - Justice Manoj Misra-led Bench"

New Delhi, April 18

The Supreme Court has disposed of a writ petition raising concerns about the absence of assessment mechanisms for diagnosing specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, in adults, while noting that research is underway to develop appropriate testing tools for adult assessment. ​

A Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Manmohan was hearing a petition filed by N. Sai Balaji under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, seeking directions on the absence of effective mechanisms for identifying and certifying specific learning disabilities in adults. ​

At the outset, the apex court recorded that several reliefs sought in the petition had already become infructuous in light of fresh guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on March 12, 2024. ​

The Justice Misra-led Bench took note of the petitioner's surviving grievance that the existing framework for determining specific learning disability is "limited to children and is not designed to deal with adults".

​Referring to its earlier order, the apex court recorded that the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) had been directed to clarify the progress made in developing appropriate tools for assessing dyslexia in adults. ​

In its affidavit, NIMHANS acknowledged that the currently prescribed assessment tools are designed primarily for children. However, it informed the top court that research is underway to develop suitable testing mechanisms for adults, and that such tools are expected to be published within 3 years. ​

Taking this on record, the Justice Misra-led Bench said, "We deem it appropriate to close these proceedings by recording the stand of NIMHANS that they are working on assessment tools/tests for determining specific learning disability amongst adults and would be able to publish the requisite tests within 3 years from now." ​

In its order, the Supreme Court also took note of the petitioner's academic achievements, observing that he had successfully obtained a Ph.D degree, indicating that the alleged disability had not significantly impeded his progress. ​

"From the own stand of the petitioner, we find that he has been able to obtain a Ph.D degree. Thus, apparently, his professed disability has not hampered his progress in life," the Justice Misra-led Bench remarked. ​

Dismissing the petition, the apex court granted the petitioner liberty to seek the revival of the proceedings if no progress is made within the stipulated timeframe. ​

"In case there is no development in that regard in the next 3 years, it shall be open for the petitioner to seek revival of these proceedings," the order clarified. ​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some movement on this! My cousin struggled for years, was called 'slow' in school, and only got help as an adult through a private clinic. A standard national framework for adults is desperately needed. Hope NIMHANS delivers on time. 🤞
R
Rohit P
Good step by the SC to dispose of it while keeping the pressure on NIMHANS. The 3-year timeline is now on record. This is how judicial oversight should work - not micromanaging, but ensuring accountability. Kudos to the petitioner for raising this.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in education, this is crucial. We focus so much on children (which is right), but what about the millions who slipped through the cracks? An adult diagnosis can be life-changing, opening doors to workplace accommodations and just... peace of mind.
V
Vikram M
The court saying his PhD proves the disability didn't hamper him is problematic. It's like saying if you succeed despite a broken leg, the leg wasn't really broken. The struggle is immense. But overall, a positive direction. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
Awareness is key. Many families still see this as a 'shame' or lack of effort. Having a proper assessment tool for adults from a reputed institute like NIMHANS will legitimize the condition and help people seek support without stigma.

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