If the signs of learning disability are recognised early, the right kind of help can be given, offering the child an opportunity to develop the skills they will need for everyday life in the future. It is often parents who first become aware that “something does not seem quite right” and are able to alert teachers and health professionals so that potential problems are recognised. If you are concerned that your child may have learning difficulties, London has a good provision of professionals who can help. Here are some of the common signs of learning disabilities you should look out for.
Problems with reading and writing
Many children have difficulty with reading and/or writing, but a child who has a learning disability may have several signs that are long-lasting and are related to other possible signs. The child may be slow to recognise the connection between sounds and letters or confuse simple words. Sometimes they reverse letters such as b and d.
Difficulties with maths
This is another sign of a possible learning disability. The child may confuse arithmetic signs or transpose number sequences.
Poor memory
You may notice that a child has problems remembering new facts or information and is unable to remember something they have just been told.
Lack of attention
A child may have problems with paying attention and be unable to concentrate for any length of time. They may be very easily distracted and restless.
Dyspraxia
Whilst many children are clumsy at times, if you feel that a child is consistently having bumps and seems to have poor coordination when walking or playing, you may want to explore this further. Difficulty with fine motor skills such as holding a pencil can also indicate poor coordination.
Difficulty with following directions
A child may sometimes seem to have trouble understanding and following instructions, even when these seem quite straightforward. There are many different solutions for children with learning difficulties. London has a wide range of care options that can help, depending on the individual needs of the child.
Difficulty in telling the time
In addition to difficulty with telling the time, a child who has a learning disability may also have problems with learning about time more generally and even understanding time as a concept.
Problems with being organised
A child with a learning disability may have difficulty in organising their life. They may lose or misplace their school books, their homework or other things and fail to complete assignments on time.
If you are alert to the common signs of learning disabilities, it will be easier to spot problems at an early stage. Research has shown that early intervention, particularly in reading difficulties, is highly effective so it is worthwhile mentioning your concerns to a professional. However, most people are likely to observe one or more of the above signs in their child at some time, without the child having a learning disability.
For children with learning difficulties, London is the ideal location for effective care.
