A child who struggles in school may have a learning disability, especially if the difficulty continues despite effort and support. Early identification makes a real difference.
What a learning disability is
A learning disability affects how a child takes in, keeps and uses information. It is neurological in origin, not a sign of low intelligence or effort. Learning disabilities can run in families.
Many children have trouble with one skill and then catch up as their brains develop. A difficulty that persists over time is a reason to ask for an evaluation.
Signs to watch for
- Reading or writing well below grade level
- Poor handwriting
- Trouble following multi-step directions
- Difficulty with time or sequencing, such as telling time on a clock
- Short attention span for their age, or trouble concentrating
- Restlessness or talking out of turn
- Trouble telling letters and numbers apart
A child who does poorly in school but seems typical or even advanced in other settings may need a closer look.
Common types
- Dyslexia affects reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension.
- Dysgraphia affects handwriting and forming written sentences.
- Dyscalculia affects number sense, calculation and time.
- Processing disorders, such as auditory processing disorder, affect how the brain handles sound or other sensory information.
ADHD is a separate condition, but it often occurs alongside learning disabilities.
Getting an evaluation
A pediatric evaluation can rule out physical causes, such as hearing or vision problems. We can also coordinate with school specialists and learning evaluators, so that your child can get accommodations at school. Call (248) 690‑9181 if you are concerned.