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| Quick reference medical handouts used
by Pediatric offices |
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Warning Signs of a Learning Disability
Please title this page. (Page 2)
Becoming aware of the warning signs of learning disabilities and getting
children the necessary help early on can be key to a child's future.
Learning disabilities affect one in seven people according to the
National Institutes of Health. Parents, therefore, need to be familiar with
the early indicators of a learning disability in order to get the right help
as soon as possible. The earlier a learning disability is detected, the better
chance a child will have of succeeding in school and in life. Parents are
encouraged to understand the warning signs of a learning disability from
as early as pre-school. The first years in school are especially crucial
for a young child. Being aware of the warning signs and getting children
the earliest possible help will increase the chance of meeting this goal,
and will greatly improve the chances of those with learning disabilities
for greater academic achievement and self esteem.
Many children and adults with learning disabilities remain undiagnosed
and go through life with this "hidden handicap." The resulting problems can
lead to poor self esteem, failure to thrive in school, and difficulty in
the workplace. With early detection and intervention, parents can give their
children the necessary skills for coping with and compensating or the learning
disability, an opportunity that was denied to many of today's adults.
All children learn in highly individual ways. Children with learning
disabilities simply process information differently, but they are generally
of normal or above-average intelligence. Having a learning disability can
affect a child's ability to read, write, speak, do math, and build social
relationships.
Below are several early warning signs commonly associated with learning
disabilities between the preschool years and fourth grade. Many young children
may exhibit one or two of these behaviors; however, consistent problems with
a group of behaviors is a good indication your child may have a learning
disability.
Early Warning Signs:
Preschool - 4th Grade
Preschool |
Grades K-4 |
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Late talking, compared to other children.
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Pronunciation problems.
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Slow vocabulary growth, often unable to find the right word.
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Difficulty rhyming words.
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Trouble learning numbers, the alphabet, days of the week.
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Extremely restless and easily distracted.
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Trouble interacting with peers.
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Poor ability to follow directions or routines.
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Slow to learn the connection between letters and sounds.
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Confuses basic words (run, eat, want).
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Makes consistent reading and spelling errors including letter reversals
(b/d), inversions (m/w), transpositions (felt/left), and substitutions
(house/home).
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Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs (+, -, x,
/, =).
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Slow recall of facts.
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Slow to learn new skills, relies heavily on memorization.
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Impulsiveness, lack of planning.
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Unstable pencil grip.
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Trouble learning about time.
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Poor coordination, unaware of physical surroundings, prone to
accidents.
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Used with permission of the Coordinated Campaign for Learning
Disabilities. (888-GR8-MIND), www.LDonline.org
As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as
medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician.
Please read our full disclaimer.
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