As children grow they learn and experience new things, skills and ideas. However, for some children the learning and accomplishment of these new skills may prove to be difficult and become a struggle. These children may have a learning disorder, or learning disability, which can go for years before being diagnosed. According to National Institutes of Health, learning disabilities affect 15% of school aged children in America. It is best to know what signs to recognize and what you can do to assist your child.
Learning disorders are seen as a data/ information processing issue that hinders a person from developing a skill and using it effectively. Common learning disabilities can affect one’s ability in nonverbal skills, reading, writing and written expression, and math. While it is not always precise as to what causes these disorders, some factors that may encourage development of these include:
• Genetics and family history. A history of learning abilities in the family increases the risk of learning disabilities in children.
• Prenatal/ neonatal risks. Premature birth, extremely low birth weight, poor growth within the uterus, and consuming drugs or alcohol while pregnant have all been linked to children being born with learning disabilities.
• Physical trauma. Damages to the nervous system, infections or head injury may influence the development of learning disorders.
• Psychological trauma. Any emotional trauma, abuse or life altering event can also lead to developing disorders.
• Environmental exposure. Toxins exposure, such as lead, have been known to cause the risk of disabilities.
Now that you know some of the reasons why children may develop a learning disability, the next step is to understand what signs to look for and how you can better help your child. While your child may display some of the signs, it does not ultimately determine if they have a disorder, however, it is good to understand them for early detection.
Some signs a child may have a learning disability include:
• Difficulty following and/or following instructions
• Lacks coordination (walking, hand-eye, motor skills)
• Trouble remembering, specifically what someone just told them
• Falling behind in skills such as reading, math, writing and spelling for their grade level
• Difficulty understanding concept of time
• Loses and misplaces items (homework, books, etc.)
• Struggles with completing homework and/or activities
• Consistently needs assistance/supervision with finishing homework
• Child engages in hostile, aggressive, defiant or excessively emotional reactions and behavior at school or while doing academic studies.
While many students benefit from early intervention with their disabilities, there are still many more students who are left untreated due to those around them not recognizing the signs. If you suspect your child has developed a learning disability, know you are not alone and there is support for your family out there. Contacting a professional to help determine if a disability is prevalent, an
Orlando psychological evaluations
can be done with Psychological Affiliates. Our team of experts is ready to help you and your child navigate through the difficult and confusing times. Call and schedule an appointment today.