When actor Aamir Khan recently revealed that his son Junaid had struggled with dyslexia as a child, it did more than just tug at public heartstrings. It cracked open a window into a reality faced by countless Indian families — one that often remains hidden behind silence, stigma, and misunderstanding.
“I used to think he was just a quiet child, lost in his own world. Then I found out he was dyslexic,” Khan said in an interview. “It changed everything — for him, and for us as parents.”
The revelation was deeply personal. But it also offered a rare moment of public acknowledgment of a learning disability that affects millions, yet is still barely understood in India.
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it difficult to read, write, or spell. It’s not a sign of low intelligence or laziness. In fact, many dyslexic individuals are exceptionally creative and intelligent.
But without early identification and the right support, their potential is often lost in classrooms which are designed for ‘normal’ children.
“Most parents only come to us after years of struggle — when a child is labelled a slow learner, troublemaker, or just plain ‘difficult’,” say clinical psychologists.
Dr Kedar Tilwe, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Mulund & Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi tells THE WEEK that Dyslexia is not a limitation for any individual, but it's a unique lens through which they perceive the world. They have many skills, like creativity, unconventional thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are often overlooked.
"Acknowledging their strengths and supporting them will help them in their overall growth and development. Most importantly, having a non-judgmental, open-minded conversation, and assuring them of your unwavering support would be most helpful," says Dr Tilwe who works with children with learning disabilities. “What they actually need is empathy, time, and a different way of learning," he adds.
According to estimates by the National Brain Research Centre, nearly 10–15% of school-going children in India may have some form of learning disability. Dyslexia is among the most common — yet it often goes diagnosed.
The impact of Aamir Khan’s words cannot be overstated. In 2007, his film Taare Zameen Par helped bring dyslexia into the national conversation for the first time. The film followed the story of Ishaan, a young boy with dyslexia, and highlighted how schools — and even families — can fail children who learn differently.
Now, with the revelation about Junaid, that message has gained renewed relevance. “It felt like someone finally said what I’ve been trying to explain to relatives for years,” says Smita D., a parent from Pune whose 10-year-old son was diagnosed with dyslexia last year. “Just hearing that Aamir Khan’s son went through the same thing made me feel less alone.”
India’s education system is often rigid, exam-driven, and unforgiving to those who don’t fit in. Most schools lack trained special educators. Children who struggle to read or write fluently are often pushed aside, made to repeat classes, or punished.
Under the Right to Education Act, children with learning disabilities are entitled to inclusive education. Boards like CBSE and ICSE allow for accommodations — extra time, use of a scribe, and exemption from a third language. Yet, those from poorer backgrounds do not benefit from these interventions.
Parents of children with dyslexia, who spoke to THE WEEK, said that they still come across teachers who believe that the child just isn’t trying hard enough. “They don’t realise the damage that does to a child’s self-esteem," say a parent.
In rural areas or low-income communities, dyslexia is almost never identified. Children are labelled as weak students or even as mentally disabled — leading to dropouts, shame, and mental health issues.
Some signs of progress are visible as a few ed-tech startups are now experimenting with tools for early detection. But change remains slow. There is little public awareness, and no nationwide policy on learning disabilities.
In a way, Aamir Khan’s own journey — from directing Taare Zameen Par to raising a dyslexic child — has come full circle. His public admission may help other parents begin to see their child not as a problem, but as someone who just learns differently.
“Once we knew what Junaid was facing, we were able to support him better. He found his own path,” Khan said.
