Recognizing The Signs Of Possible Learning Difficulty

Children are often prone to having short attention spans, and it can be difficult for parents and teachers to recognize if some children have an underlying learning difficulty. Each child will have some differences in the way they comprehend and process information, but there are some characteristics that could be a cause for concern. Here are a few signs to be aware of if you're worried that your child or student may be having a difficult time learning at the proper speed or level.

Reading Comprehension

The ability to either read or be told a story and comprehend the plot and other important pieces of information is the building block for learning. If you've noticed that your child is not remembering or actively listening to stories, it could be a cognitive problem. Even hearing problems can affect children's ability to remember stories since they cannot clearly hear the information that's being taught in class. Lack of interest or not showing any curiosity for books and lessons can indicate that either your child is having a difficult time processing what they're learning or they just cannot seem to understand it at the same pace other children can.

Behavioral Issues

It's easy for children to become frustrated when they're asked to do a school-related assignment and they cannot seem to get the correct answers. This is especially true with subjects like math. The frustration can manifest itself through behavioral issues such as crying fits or temper tantrums. As a parent, you may feel as if your child is just being difficult, but if the tantrums seem to happen more often or more intensely when it's school related, there could be problems with their comprehension. Younger children don't know how to tell you that they're having a hard time understanding the material they're being taught so it may appear as if they're just behaving badly.

Lack Of Interest

For children in higher grade levels, a sudden lack of motivation can be a red flag for learning difficulties. When children can't seem to grasp the material at the same rate of their peers, they may just decide it's easier to give up. It is important that parents keep their kids motivated by getting involved in their homework and school assignments to make sure they're proactively learning. Expressing frustration is common in kids who aren't advancing as well as they should be. Trying to keep your kids involved in school is a challenge, but the rewards are well worth it if you persevere. Talk to your child's teacher if you notice any signs of a possible learning problem so you can come up with a plan together to help them succeed.

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