Learning Disability Warning Signs

Anxious. Frustrated. Confused. Helpless. Defeated. These are very powerful words, and each can be an indication that a child may be struggling in school. Schoolwork can be difficult at any age, but it shouldn’t be torture – for you or your child. If your child is struggling academically, it could be time to consider that your child isn’t just being difficult. There could be something more going on than meets the eye.

Learning disabilities are common in the United States with between approximately 15% of all children under age 18 having some type of learning disability. A child with a learning disability is equally as smart as the child sitting next to them in class; however, they do differ in how they receive and process information. The child with the learning disability may simply see, hear or understand things differently, which ultimately affects their confidence and performance in school. Learning disabilities can take on many forms and may affect your child in various ways.

Dyslexia– Reading Disorder

What to Look For:

• Difficulty recognizing letters, learning letter sounds and identifying rhyming words
• Affects how a person processes language, and it can make reading and writing difficult
• Younger children may experience delayed language development and have trouble learning to spell and write as they reach school age

Dysgraphia – Handwriting/Fine Motor Skills Disorder

What to Look For:

• Difficulty learning to tie shoes, zip a jacket, write legibly (i.e. can’t form letters properly)
• Trouble with spelling or putting thoughts down on paper
• Avoids coloring or other fine motor activities that most kids enjoy
• Some children have strong verbal skills and are often good readers which compensate for their writing issues

Dyscalculia – Basic Arithmetic Skills Disorder

What to Look For:

• Has difficulty solving basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems – especially with multi-digit numbers
• Demonstrates disorganized work when solving problems
• Extreme difficulty understanding fractions, decimals, and telling time

Knowing the early signs of a possible learning disability can help parents get their child the help he or she needs as soon as possible. It’s never too late to put your child on the path to educational success. At The de Paul School we provide what most schools can’t: an environment that is unique, highly organized, calm, practice-rich, and engaging. The blanket approach to teaching doesn’t work for every child. That’s why at The de Paul School we tailor our curriculum and approach to each child’s strengths and challenges. We can fill the academic gaps that students may be experiencing in math, reading and written expression all while ensuring that they become independent learners and leaders.

For more information on how your child can experience the de Paul difference please call us at 502-459-6131 or visit us at breyl1.sg-host.com.