Warning Signs of a Learning Disability

It’s not always easy to identify learning disabilities. Because of the wide variations, there is no single symptom or profile that you can look to as proof of a problem. However, some warning signs are more common than others at different ages. If you’re aware of what they are, you’ll be able to catch a learning disorder early and quickly take steps to get your child help.

The following checklist lists some common red flags for learning disorders. Remember that children who don’t have learning disabilities may still experience some of these difficulties at various times. The time for concern is when there is a consistent unevenness in your child’s ability to master certain skills.

Signs and Symptoms of Learning Disabilities at Different Ages

Preschool

• Problems pronouncing words
• Trouble finding the right word
• Difficulty rhyming
• Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, days of the week
• Difficulty following directions or learning routines
• Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors, or coloring within the lines
• Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, learning to tie shoes

Ages 5-9

• Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds
• Unable to blend sounds to make words
• Confuses basic words when reading
• Consistently misspells words and makes frequent reading errors
• Trouble learning basic math concepts
• Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences
• Slow to learn new skills

Ages 10-13

• Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills
• Trouble with open-ended test questions and word problems
• Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud
• Spells the same word differently in a single document
• Poor organizational skills (bedroom, homework, desk is messy and disorganized)
• Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud
• Poor handwriting

Paying attention to normal developmental milestones for toddlers and preschoolers is very important. Early detection of developmental differences may be an early signal of a learning disability and problems that are spotted early can be easier to correct.

A developmental lag might not be considered a symptom of a learning disability until your child is older, but if you recognize it when your child is young, you can intervene early. You know your child better than anyone else does, so if you think there is a problem, it doesn’t hurt to get an evaluation.

Adapted from “Learning Disabilities and Disorders” on Helpguide.org. Read the full article online to learn more about specific types of learning disabilities, diagnosis and testing, and getting help for your child.

Source: Helpguide.org |Learning Disabilities and Disorders, www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-disorders.htm | © 2023  Helpguide.org.  All rights reserved. Helpguide.org is a trusted non-profit guide to mental health and well-being. Last updated: December 5, 2022

Are you concerned that your child may have a learning disability? Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30 minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert.  We invite you to call our Care Coordinators  at 650.688.3625 or email us at careteam@chconline.org to set up an initial Parent Consultation appointment.