Signs of child learning disabilities
• Trouble with schoolwork. They may have problems with math or reading, particularly with assignments that require them to put things in order. Some children mix up words or reverse numbers or letters. They may read “b” for “d” or “31” for “13.”
• Trouble understanding ideas. They may have trouble understanding ideas that involve time or space (such as “yesterday” and “today” or “up” and “down”). Or they may have a short attention span and difficulty remembering things they have been told often.
• Poor coordination. A child may seem clumsy or awkward, or find it hard to master physical skills that are easy for other children their
age, such as tying shoes. A child may be especially accident-prone, have trouble focusing, or have problems writing letters that are clear
and readable.
• Language problems. Some children may be slow in developing the ability to speak clearly, and may continue to have problems putting their ideas into words. They may have difficulty understanding what is being said to them. They may pronounce words in unusual ways or it may be hard to understand them when they speak.
• Immaturity. Some children are just “young for their age”—and that may cause problems in school. They may not be able to control their emotions or impulses as well as other children in their class, and may become upset more easily. Although they can be charming and
spontaneous, they may have traits that make it hard for them to make friends, such as a tendency to insist on having things their own way or to interrupt constantly.
• Frustration. If they are trying very hard but can’t do what’s expected (by others or themselves), they may become very frustrated and lose
confidence. They may show their frustration by refusing to try new activities or by giving up quickly, or insisting that they “can’t do” or
“won’t be good at” the new task. Children with learning disabilities may have only one or two of these traits, or they may have quite a few. Here are the steps to take if you are concerned about your child:
• Talk with teachers and specialists at the school. The guidance counselor, principal, or a specialist in learning disabilities can help you determine whether your child has a learning problem and, if so, what kind of help and support your child may need. Find out if the teacher and the other school staff believe that your child needs a formal evaluation for learning disabilities. If an evaluation may help clarify the situation, find out what steps you need to take to have your child tested promptly. Your child’s teacher or another staff member should be able to help you schedule an evaluation.
• Talk with your child’s doctor. Ask your child’s pediatrician to observe actions that concern you.
• Get help early on. A prompt evaluation will enable your child to get the help she needs quickly and reduce the risk that she will feel frustrated or experience failure. An evaluation will also give you a clearer picture of your child’s needs and how you can help your child learn successfully.
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