learning concerns

Detecting Learning Difficulties

by Focus on the Family

Although many of the following conditions are often true of those without learning difficulties, a pronounced difficulty in one or more of these areas may indicate that a physician should diagnose the problem.

Symptoms in preschoolers

By age 1, the child cannot do one or more of the following:

  • say "Mama"
  • play peek-a-boo
  • wave bye-bye
  • respond to his name
  • sit up on his own

By age 2, he does not:

  • say the names of a few toys
  • imitate parents
  • seem capable of identifying eyes, ears, nose and mouth
  • walk unaided

By age 3, he does not:

  • repeat simple rhymes
  • enjoy playing alone with toys
  • understand simple stories
  • navigate stairs

By age 4, he does not:

  • talk in short sentences
  • enjoy playing with other children
  • give correct answers to simple questions
  • balance on one foot

By age 5, he is not:

  • understood outside the family
  • sharing or taking turns
  • understanding the words "yesterday," "today" and "tomorrow"
  • capable of throwing overhand
  • catching a ball

Symptoms in youngsters and adults

  • He has difficulty understanding spoken directions.
  • He has trouble pronouncing a word until someone says it for him.
  • He tries to treat people well, but often says something inappropriate.
  • He has difficulty following written instructions.
  • In writing, he leaves out or reverses words or letters.
  • He knows his way around town until a street is torn up or a building is removed.
  • He usually mismatches clothes.
  • He is disorganized and can't find belongings.
  • He reads and writes well, but can't balance a checkbook.
  • He is clumsy.
  • He has poor coordination in writing or drawing.
  • He is easily annoyed.
  • He tends to act impulsively.
  • He is either extremely over- or under-active.
  • He has a short attention span.
Copyright © 1984 Focus on the Family.

Background Information

To Each His Own
It’s normal for some kids to learn at a slower pace.

Types of Learning Difficulties
If you suspect your child may have a learning disability, parents need to be aware of the symptoms that prevent learning at school.

Questions and Answers

My six-year-old son is beginning to have learning problems in school because he can't stay in his seat and concentrate on his lessons. What should I do?
Answer

Is retention in the same grade ever advisable for a child who is not a late bloomer? How about the slow learner?
Answer

My older child is a great student and earns straight A's year after year. Her younger sister, now in the sixth grade, is completely bored in school and won't even try. Why would she refuse to apply her ability like this?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

A Reason to Hope
Poor grades at school, inattentiveness and a failure to complete tasks might have a cause you haven't thought of.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

The Perfect Child
A little perfectionism goes a long way. Too much can be a real downer for kids.

Related Topics

Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence

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Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families