It’s common for children to occasionally struggle with reading, writing, or other tasks related to learning. However, this doesn’t automatically indicate a learning disability. A learning disability is characterized by a cluster of persistent signs that don’t improve over time. These signs can be diverse and vary significantly from one individual to another.
It’s important to understand that the general signs listed here are for informational purposes only and should not be used to self-diagnose or screen for learning disabilities.
Common indicators that someone might have learning disabilities include:
- Difficulties in reading and/or writing
- Challenges with mathematics
- Weak memory
- Attention problems
- Difficulty following instructions
- Clumsiness or poor coordination
- Trouble telling time
- Disorganization
Furthermore, a child with a learning disability may also exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
- Acting impulsively without considering the consequences
- Disruptive behavior in school or social settings
- Difficulty maintaining focus; easily distracted
- Trouble pronouncing words correctly or expressing thoughts clearly
- Inconsistent school performance from day to day or week to week
- Speech patterns resembling a younger child, such as using simple sentences or omitting words
- Difficulty listening effectively
- Problems adapting to changes in routines or situations
- Difficulty understanding words or abstract concepts
It’s crucial to remember that these signs alone are not sufficient for diagnosing a learning disability. Only a qualified professional can accurately diagnose a learning disability.
Each specific learning disability has its own unique set of signs. An individual with a particular learning disability may not exhibit all possible signs associated with that condition.
Children learning in a second language might display behaviors that mimic learning problems or a learning disability. Therefore, assessments for learning disabilities must consider whether a student is bilingual or a second language learner. Additionally, for native English-speaking children, evaluations should be sensitive to variations in language due to dialect or regional language differences.
Let’s explore some common types of learning disabilities and their associated signs:
Dyslexia: Difficulty with Reading and Language
Dyslexia is often characterized by difficulties in connecting letters with sounds, which impacts spelling and word recognition.2
Individuals with dyslexia may also present with other signs, including:3,4
- Difficulty comprehending spoken language
- Challenges organizing written and spoken communication
- Delayed speech development
- Difficulty articulating thoughts and feelings
- Struggles learning new vocabulary through reading or listening
- Challenges learning foreign languages
- Difficulty memorizing songs and rhymes
- Slow reading pace, both silently and aloud
- Avoidance of extended reading tasks
- Difficulty understanding questions and directions
- Poor spelling skills
- Problems remembering number sequences like phone numbers and addresses
- Confusion between left and right
Dysgraphia: Challenges with Writing
A child who struggles with writing or has consistently poor handwriting that doesn’t improve may have dysgraphia. This condition can cause physical tension and awkward postures when holding a pen or pencil.5
Other indicators of dysgraphia can include:5
- Strong aversion to writing and/or drawing
- Grammatical errors in writing
- Difficulty translating ideas into written form
- Loss of motivation or interest quickly after starting to write
- Trouble organizing thoughts in a logical sequence when writing
- Speaking aloud while writing
- Leaving words incomplete or omitting them in sentences
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with Math
Signs of dyscalculia include difficulty grasping basic arithmetic concepts, such as fractions, number lines, and positive and negative numbers.
Other symptoms may include:6
- Difficulty with math-related word problems
- Trouble making correct change in cash transactions
- Disorganized presentation of math problems on paper
- Difficulty understanding logical sequences in math problems
- Trouble grasping the time sequence of events
- Difficulty explaining mathematical processes
It’s vital to remember that if you observe these signs in yourself or a child, seeking professional evaluation is the most important step. Early identification and support can make a significant positive difference for individuals with learning disabilities.
