Current research shows that at least 10 percent of the population has a learning disability. This article discusses some of the early warning signs that your child may have a learning disability. A child with a learning disability can exhibit a wide range of symptoms. One thing to remember is that hyperactivity, perceptual coordination, and inattention are not learning disabilities in themselves but are associated with them. The biggest hallmark of learning disabilities is a significant difference between a child’s achievement in some areas and his or her overall intelligence.
In general, learning disabilities affect five areas:
1. Written language–difficulty reading, writing, and spelling
2. Spoken language–disorders, delays, and deviations in listening and speaking
3. Arithmetic–difficulty performing arithmetic operations or understanding basic concepts
4. Reasoning–difficulty organizing and integrating thoughts
5. Memory–difficulty remembering information and instructions
Specific symptoms most commonly associated with a learning disability include
o slowness in completing work
o distorted concept of body image
o difficulty with abstract reasoning or problem solving
o poor organizational skills
o reversals in writing and reading
o poor visual-motor coordination
o difficulty copying accurately from a model
o poor performance on group tests
o general awkwardness
o easily confused by instructions
o disorganized thinking
o often obsesses on one topic or idea
o difficulty making decisions
o overly gullible; easily led by peers
o poor short-term or long-term memory
o impulsive behavior; lack of reflective thought prior to action
o low tolerance for frustration
o excessive movement during sleep
o difficulty with tasks requiring sequencing
o poor peer relationships
o hyperactivity
o difficulty discriminating size, shape, color
o difficulty with temporal (time) concepts
o poor social judgment
o inappropriate, unselective, and often excessive display of affection
o lags in developmental milestones (e.g. motor, language)
o behavior often inappropriate for situation
o failure to see consequences for actions
o overly excitable during group play
o excessive variation in mood and responsiveness
o poor adjustment to environmental changes
o overly distractible; difficulty concentrating
o lack of hand preference or mixed dominance
Parents who analyze their child for any of these symptoms should keep in mind that no one will have all these symptoms, and that among learning disability groups, some symptoms are more common than others. Also remember that all people have at least two or three of these problems to a certain degree, so it’s important to not jump to conclusions about your child just because they display a few symptoms. A learning disability is not always the cause of a child’s problems with schoolwork. These symptoms are presented here to serve as a starting point to diagnosing your child; always consult with a doctor to decide on treatment options, the severity of the case, and how you can best support your child.
