Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are not a problem with intelligence or motivation. Children with learning disabilities aren’t lazy or dumb; their brains are simply wired differently. This difference affects how they receive and process information, leading to trouble with learning new skills and putting them to use. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.
Red Flags for Learning Disabilities
Signs can appear at different ages:
- Preschool: Problems pronouncing words, trouble finding the right word, difficulty rhyming, or trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, and colors.
- Ages 5-9: Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds, confusing basic words when reading, consistently misspelling words, or trouble with basic math concepts.
- Ages 10-13: Difficulty with reading comprehension, trouble with open-ended test questions, poor handwriting, poor organizational skills, or difficulty expressing thoughts aloud.
Paying attention to normal developmental milestones 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. If you think there is a problem, it doesn’t hurt to get an evaluation.