Children who are diagnosed with a learning disability will display different symptoms at varying age groups. However, they all have one thing in common: trouble processing information. These children will usually have an input issue with the brain where auditory and visual perception is limited. Assimilating information is a challenge for them once the brain receives it. There is an inability to sequence and organize information in the brain. Their short term memory is bad, although, many of them will be able to maintain long term memory. Some will also have an output issue where the muscles are unable to receive information from the brain. For instance, a child with an output issue will find it difficult to coordinate the hand muscles, which will eventually affect the handwriting. This child may find it hard to get their thoughts into written form, therefore, making it more difficult to spell, punctuate and maintain good grammar. There is no single conclusive characteristic of learning disability in children. Every child is different and each will show varying characteristics as described above. In fact, it is very rare to find only one difficult area.
Preschool Children
If you have a preschool child, look for delays in communication such as speech difficulty and issues with language development. The child will have difficulty in understanding what you are saying and issues with organizing and communicating their thoughts. In some cases, you can expect the child to display poor coordination and delays in sitting, walking and hand dexterity. This child will have issues with remembering things, following instructions and maintaining routines. Socializing and interacting with other children might also present a problem.
Elementary School Children
For elementary school children , learning can be quite a challenge, especially learning phonics, letters and numbers. They may have issues with remembering words that they are expected to be familiar with. Reading comprehension, forming letters and basic grammar can also be a concern. Other difficulties could include remembering certain facts, math skills, and organizing concepts and information. This child will find it hard to express him or herself verbally. With increased learning responsibilities and more complicated information to process, this child may exhibit new areas of weakness over time.
Actions to Take
It is best to contact the school administrator if you think that your child may have a learning disability. Ask for a meeting to further discuss the appropriate evaluation for your child. Once you have an in-depth knowledge of your child, it may be time to see a medical professional. Generally, an IQ test is done and other diagnostic tests will follow. With these tests, your child will be thoroughly assessed to find possible issues with information integration, input and output. The test results should make it clear if your child has a learning disability or not.
Conclusion
If you question whether your child has a learning disability or not , there is help for both you and your child. Follow some of these steps mentioned and you will not only help your child, but you will also be informed in the process. Have a meeting with your child's teacher, for example, to get a better understanding of your child's performance. Observe the way that your child does homework. This information will provide value when it is time for medical intervention.
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Hi Janifar!
Thank you for sharing this very important information with the EmpowHER community! Many of our members have young children so this post is very helpful and insightful!
As common core standards become required in most states, it's also important for parents to know that children are being expected to perform at higher levels than in the past. Just a word of caution, that if you child hasn't quite 'mastered' materials in pre-school or elementary school, don't be quick to worry that your child could have a learning disability.
If you child appears to struggle, certainly bring your concerns to their teacher and engage more with your child during times of homework and outside learning.
Your child's school should embrace your concerns, but also be cautious when discussing your child's progress. We always want to take a positive approach and focus on what they have learned verses what they have not yet mastered. A child's self esteem is very important during these early, formative years as they begin forming opinions and perspectives about the world and those around them. We want to encourage self confidence and help our children do their best-and that all begins with positivity and love.
Thank you again Janifar!
Best,
Kristin
August 14, 2014 - 12:26pmThis Comment