Every parent would definitely want his or her child to excel in school. But what happens when that does not happen? Sometimes parents write it off as the child’s simple disinterest, but when trouble seems consistent, it may be wise to check if a learning disability may be ruled out, or if that is mainly what is causing the problem.
Bear in mind that a child who has a learning disability is not dumb or stubborn; instead, there are certain characteristics in his brain that keep him from comprehending things the way a child without the disability can. If you are wondering whether your child has a learning disability, the following list will hopefully give you a summary of the main characteristics of the most common learning disorders in children:
1. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AHDH) – These are developmental disabilities that manifest in terms of delayed development in several areas. The most common symptoms include a child’s extreme difficulty in concentrating or remembering certain things. The child may also have trouble following instructions or completing tasks, and he might miss details and tends to be disorganized. A child who talks excessively, is often hyperactive, and constantly interrupts or struggles to wait for his turn may have the disorder.
2. Asperger Syndrome – This is a developmental disorder belonging to the autistic spectrum. Its main effects include a highly narrow interest, bordering on obsession. Repetitive rituals or behaviour may also manifest, as well as unusual speech. This may include using the outdated forms of English, for instance. A thinking behaviour that borders on very logical or technical may also occur. The child will also typically exhibit inappropriate behaviour emotionally and socially. He might also have trouble with nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions. The child may also be uncoordinated or unusually clumsy at times.
3. Depression – Although just about anyone can feel sad every once in a while, depression is a chronic sadness with symptoms that encompass the physical, mental, and social spheres of life. A child suffering from depression may have a perennially low self-esteem, coupled with tearfulness and excessive feelings of guilt. A lack of enjoyment or motivation, as well as suicidal thoughts, may characterize this condition. Physical manifestations include slowed speech and movement, digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion, inexplicable pains and aches, and a lack of energy.
4. Dyscalculia – This learning disability is characterized by an inability to understand the concept of numbers being abstract representations of quantities that may be compared. This is characterized by confusion of math symbols, such as the plus and minus sign, the inability to tell which number is higher of two given numbers, and the necessity of using one’s fingers for counting. A person with dyscalculia typically has problems telling left from right, and may have a poor sense of direction.
5. Dyslexia – This learning disability affects reading, writing, and spelling skills as the most visible symptom. A child with dyslexia learns better through hands-on demonstrations, and prior to the diagnosis, may struggle with a low self-esteem. He may have trouble concentrating and telling left from right, as well as understanding sequences.
6. Dyspraxia – This is a learning disability for motor skills, which result in poor balance, an overall clumsiness, and trouble picking things up and holding them. A child with dyspraxia may also have trouble telling left from right, and struggle with special awareness. He may also have trouble sleeping due to his not being able to shut down his brain. He is also prone to daydreaming and getting easily distracted and easily tired.
7. High functioning autism – This learning disability occurs in people with normal or above-average intelligence quotients, but who suffer from autism. A child with HFA tends to undergo a dysfunction with sensory integration, meaning he tends to be under- or oversensitive to sensory stimuli. This results in the child possibly becoming very distant or detached, and having trouble retaining eye contact. The child may be empathetic but struggle to communicate or express emotion.
These are but the most common learning disabilities among children today. Not only is this is in no way an exhaustive list, it is also not a definitive gauge of struggles that your child is undergoing. Instead, it is hoped that a glimpse of these symptoms will warn you to get the help needed for your child as early as possible, if he does indeed have learning disabilities, so you can get intervention at the best and earliest possible time.
