Animation Offers a Glimpse Into the Life of a Child With Learning Difficulties
This animated video offers a glimpse into what a day in the life of a child with learning difficulties can be like.
Erik Rosenlund, 40, is an animator and director based in Stockholm. His latest video, called "Bokstavsbarn" in Swedish and "Falling Letters" in English, focuses on a young child who has difficulties paying attention in school and socializing with his peers.
Rosenlund says the film isn't really about a specific diagnosis but does admit the opening scene is a reference to dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The tittle, "Bokstavsbarn" is an affectionate Swedish term that means "letter children (or child)" and refers to any kind of diagnosis, according to Rosenlund. His inspiration for the project came from his recently becoming a father, as well as his own experience as a child.
"The little boy drawing in class is pretty close to myself as a child," Rosenlund told The Mighty via Facebook message. "I always had a very vivid imagination and was never very good at paying attention in class."
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ADHD affects 11 percent of school-age children and symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases, according to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a nonprofit aimed at improving the lives of people affected by ADHD.