Detecting Children's Learning Disabilities

The most common learning disability is reading andor sounds
language skills. Learning disabilities are not something·Difficulty with sequencing
that child will outgrow or is cured. But once·Problems with coordination
recognized and focused on, the child can succeed inWhat can you do as a parent? You can research on
learning.the Internet. You can start with our site: Go to your
Well-meaning relatives and pediatricians sometimeslocal library for research. Your local school can also
offer assurances that an infant or toddler orhelp. Have your child take the free screening test
pre-schooler with a delay is a “late-bloomer”(hearing & vision) that their school offers. Many
that will catch up and advise parents to “justschool have created special teams to solve these
wait.” Yes, all children develop at varying rates, butkinds of problems. Check with your school and see
a parent often knows when their child is truly notwhat they offer in the area of learning disables.
developing in a typical way. Trust your instincts as aAlso, if you suspect your young child has a learning
parent: Waiting is not a good idea!problem, you may want to talk to a speech-language
Most children struggle during some part of theirpathologist, or have your child evaluated by a learning
school years. This is common and some help overdisabilities specialist or child psychologist. There are
the hard spots will remedy this problem. But if youmany assessment techniques that can be used with
detect your child has continues problems withpreschoolers. There are many professionals working
reading, writing and math, he or she may have awith young children who can provide appropriate
learning disability.evaluations.
Often children with learning disabilities haveIt is important to remember that the population of
symptoms. These symptoms do not disappear, aschildren with learning disabilities is heterogeneous. The
the child grows older. Detecting them is the key to achildren are similar because they all have adequate
successful approach to helping your child.hearing, vision, mental ability, and much strength, but
Early intervention with a child who is behind intheir specific disabilities and symptoms differ.
language, social, cognitive, fine motor or gross motorIdentification is primary. What is the real problem?
development can make a world of difference! ThereOnce the problem has been identified, you can
are many strategies you can use to help a child makeestablish a program that will best resolve the
the most of their learning abilities in early childhood.problem, and create an environment for the child to
Almost all children with learning disabilities, which resulthave a happy and more fulfilling life.
in reading difficulties, can learn to read whenYou will find more information on learning disabilities
intervention strategies start at age four or five.here:
Here are some of the most frequent symptoms thatThe author does not endorse any particular education
are observed:plan or course of treatment for any child. He
·Difficulty following directionsencourage parents to consult with educators and
·Short attention spanother professionals who know the child before
·Poor memorydetermining whether the child has a learning disability
·Poor reading and/or writingand if so how it should be addressed.
·Can’t discriminate between letters, numbers