Middle School Signs
- Reversing the letters in words, such as “hoser” for “horse”
- Difficulty with spelling rules, prefixes, suffixes
- Dislikes reading aloud in class
- Avoids reading or avoids writing assignments
- Problems with solving word problems
- Poor handwriting
- Tires easily when completing academic work
- Trouble recalling facts, even if recently learned
- Difficulty making friends or being in social situations
- Trouble with nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions or body language
High School/Adult Signs
- Difficulty with spelling, can spell the same word differently, even when written in the same paragraph
- Avoids reading and writing tasks or assignments
- Problems summarizing information or reading assignments
- Short term memory problems, cannot always recall facts, even if recently taught or studied
- Difficulty understanding abstract concepts
- Works slower than classmates
- Difficulty answering essay questions on tests
- Problems adjusting to new situations and places
- Difficulty with long term projects, difficulty spacing work due to time-spatial problems
- Overlooks details or becomes extremely detail oriented
- Disorganized or overly organized
- Misreads, skips words, reads the incorrect word
- Skips words, misspells words or difficulty with grammar
Children with learning disabilities, however, will not have all of the signs listed above. If you believe your child may have a learning disability, send a written request to your school requesting an evaluation. You should list the reasons you believe there is a learning disability and provide as many examples as possible.
References:
“About Learning Disabilities”, 2003, Author Unknown, National Institute of Learning Development
“Learning Disabilities”, 2008, April 1, Cutter et al, Helpguide.org
“Common Signs of Learning Disabilities”, 2008, LD Online.org
“Learning Disabilities at a Glance”, 2001, Author Unknown, National Center for Learning Disabilities