Identifying Learning Disabilities

‘I Can’t Do It!’

Early identification of a learning disability and prompt help and support are crucial to a child’s success in school and in life.

According to the National Institute of Health, one in seven people have some type of learning disability. Many learning disabilities begin to become apparent when a child is in preschool. Others may go undetected until well into elementary or even middle school. However, the earlier a child is diagnosed, the better. A problem left unattended can undermine a child’s self esteem and affect his attitude about school for years to come.

Some common behaviors that may indicate a learning disability include problems with reading, speech, writing or reasoning; hyperactivity; inability to focus and coordination problems. Kids with a learning disorder may display impulsiveness, frequent frustration, difficulties with interpersonal interactions and erratic test performance.

Identifying Problems at Different Ages

Children with learning disabilities often possess above-average intelligence. They just process information differently. With intervention, the majority of these children succeed academically, socially and personally.

The following is a breakdown of general warning signs that are often associated with learning disabilities at different stages of a child’s development. Although many of these behaviors are common, a child who exhibits several of these signs may very well have a learning disability and should be seen by a professional: