Early Indicators of Learning Disabilities

Children who are eventually diagnosed with a learning disability (including reading, writing, language, and attention issues, or a combination thereof) often exhibit early signs of these issues in the preschool years. These may be referred to as “soft signs”.

During the course of normal development, any given child will exhibit one or more indicators in the following categories. All young children who demonstrate these characteristics do not necessarily develop a learning issue, but it is helpful to be aware of early indicators for learning needs.

Later signs (Class 3 and later)

    Reading and Writing
  • Confuses sight words
  • Consistent reading and spelling errors include transpositions (left/felt) and substitutions (house for home)
  • Trouble retrieving words rapidly
  • Difficulty with reasoning i.e. organizing and integrating thoughts
  • Trouble with sequencing
  • Poor performance on tests

    • Memory
  • Slow to remember new facts
  • Slow to learn new skills based on memorization
  • Difficulty retrieving learned facts
  • Poor working memory

    • Motor
  • Poor coordination
  • Prone to accidents
  • Poor pencil grasp
  • Difficulty copying from the board
  • Difficulty copying from a model
  • Poor visual motor coordination

    • Language
  • Understanding complex sentences
  • Difficulty following directions
  • Trouble organizing language
  • Does not understand figurative language

    • Attention and Behavior
  • Short attention span
  • Easily distracted
  • Impulsivity
  • May obsess on one topic or idea
  • Fail to see consequences for their actions

    • Work Habits
  • Materials and approach to tasks are disorganized
  • Weak problem solving skills
  • Weak organizational skills
  • Slowness in completing work

 

Last updated 3.20.07

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