CW Chan

Abstract

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) have intrigued professionals throughout the years. There are people who believe that SLD only involves problems with reading, while there are those who understand Dyslexia merely as a writing problem with mirror inversion of alphabets. Furthermore, many feel that SLD although a major and documented problem in Caucasians may not exist in the Chinese population due to racial and language differences. Yet numerous Hong Kong children and parents suffer daily as a result of this condition with limited recognition and support. The current paper attempts to review recent developments in the understanding and practice on SLD in Hong Kong, current problems facing Hong Kong's professionals of this field, and events leading to the Workshop on "SLD 1999:the Way Ahead" which was keenly attended by professionals, parents, politicians, educators and administrators. The Resolutions issued at the end in the Workshop is an important document to witness the agreements on SLD for Hong Kong's reference today and to set future directions for action. The author further introduces the Hong Kong Society of Child Neurology and Developmental Paediatrics (HKCNDP) Working Party on SLD: its mission, structure, members as well as short and long term goals. Call is made for relevant individuals to actively support this meaningful project for Hong Kong.