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LD and Your Child: An Age-by-Age Guide
by Bethann McGaffigan
for Family Education Network
Visit
the Family Education Network <www.fen.com>
for more articles like this and for information on teaching and
learning for families and educators.
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www.bridges4kids.org.
The Early Years
"Although my son walked at the appropriate age and reached
other milestones at the right time, I felt that something was
not quite right," says Yvette Moran, parent. "His social
skills were lacking around other kids. We observed him
carefully for a period of time and at age two and a half he
was diagnosed with a learning disability." No one knows your
child like you do. Trust your instincts and observations. If
something "just seems wrong" and your child displays several
of the following problems consistently, you might want to
consider the existence of a learning disability.
Problems with following routines or directions
Fine motor skills slow to develop
Difficulty rhyming words
Speaks later than peers
Problems with pronunciation
Problems with vocabulary, trouble finding the right word
Extremely restless and distracted easily
Trouble with social skills
Trouble learning colors, shapes, days of week, numbers,
alphabet
A full evaluation by trained professionals is the next step in
helping your child. Your pediatrician can refer you to a
number of specialists trained in the area of difficulty.
Working with a team of professionals and joining with other
parents can provide your family with a valuable support
system.
The Elementary Years
"When my son started kindergarten I noticed that he had
problems with coordination when performing simple tasks such
as tying his shoes or combing his hair," says Carol McGaffigan.
"We worked consistently with him for many years. The hard work
paid off with some terrific dividends. Our son developed a
photographic memory that amazed his teachers." Coordination
problems can be a warning sign of a learning disability. If
your child exhibits several of the following characteristics
over a long period of time, you might want to have her tested.
Unstable pencil grip
Trouble learning about time
Difficulty remembering facts
Confuses basic words (dog, cat, run)
Difficulty learning new skills, relying on memorization
Poor coordination, "accident prone", unaware of physical
surroundings
Difficulty learning the connection between letters and sounds
Spelling and reading errors such as substitutions
(house/home), letter reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w) and
transpositions (felt/left).
Problems with planning, impulsive
Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs
(x,/,=/+/-)
Speak with your child's teacher and arrange for a
comprehensive evaluation of your child's difficulties. This
will enable you and a group of professionals to correctly
assess areas of strengths and weaknesses, and thus decide upon
the best course of action to help your child. Offering
constant support to your child is your best strategy.
The Middle Years
"When a child is dealing with the difficulties of a learning
disability and has not been diagnosed, he or she may feel dumb
or worthless," says Dr. Matthew Brewer, pediatrician. "This
frustration can lead the child to destructive behaviors such
as violence or drug abuse." Students with LD must be reassured
that they are bright people who are only having problems
because their minds process information differently. If you
notice any of the following characteristics in your middle
school student talk to your child and contact a professional
as soon as possible.
Trouble recalling facts
Problems making friends
Difficulty with word problems
Avoids reading aloud
Reverses letter sequences (soiled/solid, left/felt)
Tight or awkward pencil grip
Difficulty understanding facial expressions or body language
Problems with handwriting
Problems with learning prefixes, suffixes, root words and
other spelling strategies
Avoids writing assignments
Before you can solve your child's problems you need to know
what you are dealing with. Contact your school and arrange for
a complete evaluation. You will be referred to professionals
who specialize in your child's area of difficulty. Working
with professionals and offering constant support is your best
strategy to help your child.
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