Detecting Learning Difficulties In Our Kids: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Identifying a learning difficulty or neurodevelopmental disorder in our children can be tough.  Many kids experience difficulties—like trouble concentrating or remembering information—at some point during their education so it can be common for symptoms to go unnoticed. The result is often a delay in a proper diagnosis, leading to feelings of frustration, low self esteem, and being left behind in school.

Noticing the signs and patterns that come with learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders can help with early intervention, providing our children with the support they need to succeed in school, and later on in life. This is a guide for parents and educators to help detect the signs of learning difficulties or neurodevelopmental concerns for children and teenagers.

What is a learning difficulty?

Kids can have learning difficulties in reading, numeracy, writing, or literacy which means they can have trouble processing, retaining, and understanding information. Learning difficulties can develop for a variety of reasons such as a history of interrupted learning, health issues, or regular absences from school. 

How can we help our kids with learning difficulties improve? With extra support and targeted instructions.

What is a Specific Learning Disorder?

A Specific Learning Disorder is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by differences in early brain development. 

Some common Specific Learning Disorders include:

• Dyslexia: Trouble reading, spelling, and writing.
• Dyscalculia: Trouble with math concepts and calculations.
• Dysgraphia: Trouble with writing, including problems with handwriting, spelling, and organising thoughts.

Neurodevelopmental disorders can often be present throughout a person’s life but types of support and interventions can help reduce the impact of these disorders on everyday functioning.

Note: Often children and teenagers with neurodevelopmental disorders have average or above-average intelligence. Their struggles lie in how they process or manage information, not in their potential.

Learning difficulties in children

How to tell whether your child has a learning difficulty

Some ways to tell whether our child has a learning difficulty or disorder include:

By age 5

• Delayed speech and language development. This can mean difficulty pronouncing words correctly, using grammar properly, or learning to speak in full sentences with an average of 4-5 words.

By age 6

• Trouble following instructions. This can mean they might struggle to follow more than one instruction at a time or could have difficulty remembering sequences of steps. E.g., Forgetting steps as part of their bedtime routine; regularly forgetting to take something that is needed at school; or only completing one task when asked to do two or three.

By age 6-7

• Difficulty with fine motor skills. They might struggle to hold a pencil, cut with scissors, or button clothing.
• Struggles with reading and writing. If a child has trouble recognising letters, understanding letter sounds (phonemic awareness), or forming letters, it could signal dyslexia or another reading-related difficulty.
• Difficulty with math. They could struggle with recognising numbers, understanding counting, or having trouble memorising basic math facts.

By age 7-8

• Short attention span. Children with attention difficulties might have trouble focusing on a single task, resulting in incomplete work or constant distractions.
• Anxiety or distress. This could include experiencing anxiety or distress about going to school or doing their homework.
• Low self esteem: A child may express low self-confidence about their learning.

4 signs to look out for in your child

Although these signs can be subtle and mistaken for normal developmental delays, we have some signs that might help you discern whether or not your child could have a specific learning disorder or difficulty.

1. These signs persist when directly supported with strategies
2. Signs continue to persist when other children have progressed
3. There is an impact on your child’s engagement in school
4. There are multiple signs present at once

4 things to do if your child is showing signs of a learning difficulty 

1. Monitor their progress over 2-3 weeks to see if they display the same signs in similar situations. 
2. Ask them how they feel in situations where they are frustrated with work or reluctant to go to school.
3. Talk to their teacher about the signs you have noticed and when they occur. 
4. Discuss with your GP whether your concerns are developmentally appropriate.

Learning difficulties in teens

How to tell whether your teenager has a learning difficulty

• Consistent academic struggles. This would include struggling with grades, particularly in subjects that require heavy reading, writing, or math. Poor performance in one or more subjects despite strong effort can be an indication of difficulty.
• Difficulty with reading comprehension. They might read a passage or textbook chapter but struggle to grasp the main idea or key details, especially in more complex texts.
• Poor organisation and time management. They may frequently lose assignments, have trouble meeting deadlines, or struggle to prioritise tasks.
• Writing challenges. This might include messy handwriting, difficulty organising thoughts on paper, or an inability to write essays that are coherent and organised logically.
• Avoidance or anxiety around schoolwork. This might include constantly avoiding homework or tests, or showing signs of significant stress and anxiety about school.
• Low self-esteem and frustration. They might experience frustration, which can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of motivation to try.

Learning difficulties might become more apparent in teens when academic demands increase. Peer pressure, social concerns, and the pressure to succeed academically can also increase learning difficulties.

3 things to do if your teenager is showing signs of a learning difficulty 

1. Foster open communication with them to encourage them to express their challenges and frustrations.
2. Speak to their teachers about the signs you have noticed and when they occur. 
3. Discuss with your GP whether your concerns are developmentally appropriate.

How can you get help for your child?

A comprehensive psychological assessment is a great way to identify any underlying learning difficulties or neurodevelopmental concerns in children or teens. 

At Mind Matters, our thorough assessment approach takes into account the unique strengths and challenges of each person to help us identify the most appropriate treatment. Plus, our personalised recommendations ensure that our support goes beyond just a diagnosis. Our clinic rooms are designed to be child-friendly and create a calming environment, ensuring that parents and young ones feel safe to openly discuss any challenges. Our experienced team of psychologists will always be transparent and explain our assessment process clearly, helping clients understand exactly what to expect.

Noticed that your child is displaying signs of learning difficulties? We can help. Reach out to our friendly team today.

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