When parents think their child is performing poorly in school, they may wonder if the child is trying hard enough versus has a specific learning problem. It is important to understand that children with learning disabilities usually have a normal range of intelligence, and although they try very hard to follow instructions, concentrate, and "be good" at home and in school, they cannot master school tasks and fall behind.

Facts:

• Learning disabilities affect at least 1 in 10 schoolchildren.
• Between 30 and 50 percent of children with learning disabilities also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Children with learning disabilities often have normal intelligence levels
• Reading disabilities affect 2 to 8 percent of elementary school children

Most people think of reading disorders when thinking of learning disabilities. However, there are many types of learning disabilities that can be broken down into 3 categories:

1. Language Disorder: articulation disorder, expressive language disorder, receptive language disorder
2. Academic Disorders: dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia
3. Other: These diagnoses include delays in acquiring language, academic, and motor skills that can affect the ability to learn, but do not meet the criteria for a specific learning disability. Also included are coordination disorders that can lead to poor penmanship, as well as certain spelling and memory disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

There are no set symptoms or signs of a learning disability. The problems a child may be having largely depend upon their age and developmental level. However there are some problems to look for as a parent:

Language Disorders

Developmental Articulation Disorder -- Children with this disorder may have trouble controlling their rate of speech or be slow to make appropriate speech sounds. Articulation disorders are usually outgrown or successfully treated with speech therapy.

Developmental Expressive Language Disorder -- Some children with language impairments have problems expressing themselves in speech. Children may misname objects, speak in few word phrases instead of sentences, etc.

Developmental Receptive Language Disorder - Children have normal hearing but they can't make sense of certain sounds, words, or sentences they hear. They may even seem inattentive. Many people with receptive language disorders also have an expressive language disability.

It is important to note that all children will shows signs of these language problems since it is a normal part of learning to talk; however parents should be concerned if these problems persist.

Academic Disorders:

Dyslexia - a language-based disability in which a person has trouble understanding words, sentences, or paragraphs.

Dyscalculia - a mathematical disability in which a person has a very difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts.

Dysgraphia - a writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters correctly or write within a defined space.

Some possible signs of an academic learning disability:

Preschool
Late talking, compared to other children.
Pronunciation problems.
Slow vocabulary growth, often unable to find the right word.
Difficulty rhyming words.
Trouble learning numbers, the alphabet, days of the week.
Extremely restless and easily distracted.
Trouble interacting with peers.
Poor ability to follow directions or routines.

Grades K-4
Slow to learn the connection between letters and sounds.
Confuses basic words (run, eat, want).
Makes consistent reading and spelling errors including letter reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w), transpositions (felt/left), and substitutions (house/home).
Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs (+, -, x, /, =).
Slow recall of facts. Slow to learn new skills, relies heavily on memorization.
Impulsiveness, lack of planning.
Unstable pencil grip.
Trouble learning about time.
Poor coordination, unaware of physical surroundings, prone to accidents.

Early Detection

It is important to detect learning disabilities as early as possible, to help prevent an increasing number of negative effects. For instance in academic areas, the child who has trouble adding in elementary school will not be able to do algebra. Similarly, a child who confuses certain letters of the alphabet may have trouble with reading and reading comprehension. In dramatic cases, children whose learning disabilities go undetected may never learn to read well, write an essay, or do basic mathematics. As the gap between a child's skills and where they should be widens, the child is often plagued by constant frustration, low self-esteem, and embarrassment. These children can feel like a constant disappointment to their parents and loved ones. Even when they try their hardest, the still fall short of expectation and often feel "dumb" or "stupid" especially compared to siblings or peers. Some learning disabled children misbehave in school because they would rather be seen as "bad" than "stupid". Finally, when faced with repeated failure, many children with learning disabilities feel helpless and overwhelmed.

What causes learning disabilities?

It is believed that learning disabilities are caused by a difficulty with the nervous system that affects receiving, processing, or communicating information. A leading theory is that learning disabilities stem from subtle disturbances in brain structures and functions that may begin before birth. There may also be a genetic component as learning disabilities can run in families. Some children with learning disabilities are also hyperactive; unable to sit still, easily distracted, and have a short attention span. However, they may or may not have ADHD.

Evaluation for a learning disability

Each type of LD is diagnosed in slightly different ways. Speech and language disorders are typically diagnosed by a speech therapist in conjunction with a physician (checks for hearing and vision problems as well as vocal cord problems) and psychologist (assesses intelligence). Similarly, motor coordination disorders are typically diagnosed by a physician and if intelligence testing is required a psychologist is involved.

For academic disorders, an evaluation typically consists of intelligence, academic, and information processing tests conducted by a psychologist or school diagnostician. The results of these tests should clarify if the student has a learning disability. However, it is important to consider other factors than simply test results such as school attendance, recent emotional problems, possible hearing and vision problems, etc.

Most school systems use what is called a "discrepancy formula" to decide if an individual is eligible for services. There must be a specific degree of difference between the student potential (IQ) and their actual performance.

Schools are required to test children for learning disabilities when necessary. However, some people choose to have an outside evaluation for various reasons (to get it done faster, second opinion, school personnel do not think testing is warranted, etc.). If you have test results showing there is a learning problem with your child, the school personnel must take the necessary steps to address the learning issue.