It was to be a simple exercise, an exploration of creativity — students were to craft a story, with each child offering their own ideas, allowed to create a masterpiece. And the fable began efficiently: the words were offered easily; the characters were formed. Each boy and girl was given the chance to use their imaginations, the tale bouncing from desk to desk. But the process came to a sudden halt as one child was unable to speak, could offer none of the needed coherency.

She didn’t understand the sequence. She couldn’t recall the events. And the story fumbled, losing all power. Her classmates weren’t pleased; her teacher was confused; and she was humiliated, unable to explain that — though she tried her best — she couldn’t track the logic.

She suffers from an Integration Disability and this must be understood before it can be helped.

Simply defined: an Integration Disability occurs when the brain cannot catalog information properly. Facts are recognized but cannot be placed into the appropriate order. There is no concept of minutes, sequence or organization. Instead all truths become clumsy, unable to be comprehended for their timelines.

And this can lead students to fail at seemingly easy tasks: such as explaining their morning, listing the alphabet or even being aware of the clock. All information is interpreted without true understanding.

This demands therefore aid from all parents and teachers. Students should be accommodated with highly specific instructions, ensuring that all facts can be followed. Extended deadlines may be needed to allow for any complications. Use memory exercises to help encourage learning of basic notions (such as the alphabet or mathematical properties). And be certain that all environments are organized — guaranteeing that items can be found with ease, rather than being forgotten.

Integration is a difficulty that cannot be denied. It can, however, be countered with attention and patience. Understand a child and her needs to make the learning process effective.