Despite the controversy surrounding the issue of determining a definite line between those with a learning disability and those without one, there is one thing that is agreed upon: The earlier that your child receives intervention for the learning disability, the more successful that intervention will be. Therefore, you should be aware of the early indicators for a learning disability.
If your child is in preschool or kindergarten these warning signs might be early indicators of a learning disability.
Beginning to speak later than 20 months of age
Severe pronunciation problems
Difficulty using and identifying rhyming words
Great difficulty learning the alphabet, numbers or days of the week in a sequence
Usually slow vocabulary growth
Easily distracted (to the point that it is interfering with the learning process. All young children are easily distracted.
Does not attempt to form friendships
Has difficulty following simple one or two step directions
When your child is a little older, you should look for these warning signs if you suspect a learning disability.
Does not understand that letters represent sounds
Consistent reading and/or spelling errors, especially reversal of letters (b and d), inversion of letters (m and w), transpositions (can and nac) or makes substitutions for words (saying home when the word is house)
Reverses number sentences and mathematical signs such as + and –
Disorganized and impulsive behavior
Does not grip a pencil with ease
Lack of coordination (clumsy)
If your child is on the secondary level, these are some common warning signs that he/she might be suffering from a learning disability.
Avoids reading and writing activities
Significant trouble with open ended type questions
Has trouble summarizing information
Demonstrates poor reading comprehension
Abstract concepts and ideas are difficult to comprehend
Has difficulty applying math concepts
Has a hard time being organized
Works at a very slow rate of time
Does not take notes well
Proofreading is a difficult task
Has a hard time understanding other’s viewpoints
Does not accept criticism wel
Often gives in to peer pressure
Please be aware that these warning signs, when singled out, are not indicators of a learning disability. For example, if your child is clumsy and disorganized, this does not mean that he/she definitely has a learning disability. Each child is unique and most will exhibit some of these signs at one point or another. Remember a learning disability is something that profoundly interferes with day-to-day activities and/or learning.