Look out for signs that indicate learning disabilities in children

DOES your child dread reading out loud, writing an essay or tackling a mathematical problem? Every child has a problem with homework from time to time, but if a certain area of learning is consistently problematic, it might indicate a learning disability.

“Learning disabilities can be extremely frustrating for children,” says Peter Jordan, principal officer of Fedhealth. “Imagine having trouble with a skill all of your friends are tackling with ease, worrying about embarrassing yourself in front of the class or struggling to express yourself.”

According to recent studies, approximately 10 to 30% of all children have learning difficulties; without help, almost 40% of these children and adolescents drop out of school. Learning disabilities and their accompanying challenges can lead to low self-esteem, isolation and behavioural problems, but they don’t have to.

“The term ‘learning disability’ is an umbrella term used to describe many neurological disorders. Children with learning disabilities have a glitch in how their brains are wired and this affects how they receive and process information,” Jordan explains. “These disorders are often described as disabilities because they may interfere with the learner’s ability to learn. Many learners with a learning disability have an average or above average intelligence. The most common learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, mathematics, reasoning, listening and speaking.”

A learning disability is usually only identified when a child enters formal schooling. During early development, slower than average developmental milestones, difficulty communicating needs and desires and following instructions and a poor attention span might be signs of a learning disability.

At school level, the following signs and behaviours may be indicative of a learning disability:

• Difficulty following verbal instructions.

• Repeated asking of questions about work already explained.

• Repeatedly losing their place when reading.

• Erratic spelling.

• Difficulty working from written instructions.

• An awareness of a mistake, but difficulty correcting the mistake.

• Can’t distinguish main idea from details.

• Difficulty making choices, identifying priorities and initiating tasks.

• Continuously forgetting homework and assignments.

• Difficulty completing tasks in a given time.

• Inconsistent performance in school work.

• Poor handwriting.

• Difficulty sustaining attention.

“Remember that children who don’t have learning disabilities may experience some of these difficulties at times,” advises Jordan. “The time for concern is when there is a consistent inability to master certain skills. Supportive measures can be put in place to assist children to work around these problems and reach their potential, despite learning problems. In South Africa, the department of education offers special dispensation for learners with special educational needs.”

Some of these special dispensations include extra time for examinations, spelling and handwriting concessions, oral examinations, a planning aid for writing examinations, the use of computers during examinations, etc.

Jordan advises parents and caregivers to trust their instincts when it comes to a child’s learning abilities. “If you suspect a learning disability, talk to your child’s teacher and paediatrician about an evaluation. Create a strong support system by helping him or her to express themselves, deal with frustration and deal with challenges. By focusing on your child’s growth as a person and not just on academic achievements, you’ll install good emotional habits that will set the stage for success throughout life,” he concludes.