Learning differences are not a lack of intelligence or effort; individuals with learning differences are often very bright and creative. Some may excel in math, but struggle with reading or comprehension. Often there seems to be a disconnect between ability and academic achievement in one or more areas. Below are signs of a learning difference categorized by academic area. If you recognize these signs in your child, it may be time to get a psychoeducational evaluation and receive individual, targeted strategies and accommodations that will enable them to thrive in school.
Signs of Dyslexia or a Reading Difference
- Pretends to be reading a book by making up the story based on the pictures
- Trouble rhyming words
- Trouble blending sounds into words fluently
- Mispronounces words with similar sounds and letters
- Leaves out small words or word ending when reading
- Substitutes words when reading that look similar or have the same meaning
- Dislikes and/or avoids reading
- Poor spelling
- Must read the text several times to understand
- Takes longer than typical to complete reading assignments
Signs of Written Expression Disorder
- Writes simple sentences
- When asked to write doesn’t know where to start
- Can express ideas verbally, but not on paper
- Has difficulty organizing the content
- Writing often “rambles” and gets off-topic
- Uses simple vocabulary
- Makes frequent grammar and punctuation errors
- The story doesn’t follow a logical sequence
Common signs of Dysgraphia
- Trouble forming letters
- Mixing upper- and lower-case letters
- Spacing lines between letters and words
- Word float above the lines on the paper
- Sentences run off the sides of the paper
- Difficulty coping
- Difficulty taking notes in class
- Poor spelling
Common Signs of Dyscalculia or Math Difference
- Connecting written numbers with groups of objects of the same number 3 = ooo
- Accurately counting objects one by one
- Understanding concepts such as greater than and less than
- Recognizing number patterns
- Recalling math facts
- Understanding the language associated with math
- Estimating time and money
