Introduction:
A learning disability/difference/difficulty is a condition that can affect a person’s organization, acquiring, use, understanding, or retention of either verbal or non-verbal information. Even if your child has at least average intelligence, a learning disability may impact their ability to demonstrate their true intelligence. Early identification of a learning disability can make a substantial difference in the life of your child at school and beyond. In this blog post, we will discuss seven signs you can be on the lookout for if your child is struggling with a learning disability.
A Teacher Thinks There Is An Issue
At the elementary level, teachers spend 5-6 hours with your child during the school day. Even though this time is not completely one-on-one, a teacher may notice if your child is struggling when compared to the rest of class. Also, parent-teacher conferences can be a great way to get scheduled time for feedback to see if your child is having trouble in class.
A Paediatrician/Physician Makes a Recommendation
Taking your kids to see their paediatrician or family doctor annually is always a good idea. Even though they are not experts in psychology, they have a wide breadth of knowledge and can give their medical opinion if it is time to see a psychologist.
Homework Takes a Long Time
Kids seem like they are always getting more homework especially when they make the transition from elementary to high school. Homework can take anywhere from 1-2 hours a night to complete for the average child. If you find homework takes 3-4 hours a night, or your child stays up all hours of the night to study, this may be a sign of difficulty and may require a professional opinion.
Little to No Progress When Left Alone
Homework can be tough and sometimes kids need some extra help. There is nothing wrong with providing a little guidance or helping to clarify some instructions to help a student get back on task. If you notice that your child is really trying, but does not seem to get anywhere even with your help, this may be another sign to seek further assistance.
Low Grades in Specific Subjects
Individuals with learning disabilities in some studies can still succeed. Some children can do very well in a majority of their subjects, but struggle heavily in others. For example, a child may do very poorly in math or English every year no matter who the teacher is. This may indicate a learning disability causes them to struggle in that specific subject, without additional support.
A Tutor Does Not Help
Getting your child a tutor may provide that extra support to supplement the learning they are getting in school. Sometimes this extra reinforcement is able to make a big difference, but if your child is still struggling or falling behind, it may be time to consider an assessment.
The Child Wants to Avoid School
School is a great place for kids to learn with and from each other in a community setting, but it can be tough for some kids. Failing at a specific subject multiple times can affect a child’s confidence. If your child finds creative ways to avoid school or skip specific classes, this can be a major red flag to investigate further.
Conclusion
If you feel your child is struggling or presenting with one or more of these signs it may be time to consider a psychoeducational assessment. This type of assessment can provide great insight on what the issue is and how to support your child. At Neuropotential Clinics, we feel it is critical to begin with a clinical intake to gather information on whether a
psychoeducational assessment is warranted before proceeding. Contact us to learn more.