Red Flags to identify students at risk to Learning Disability

Recognizing the signs of Learning Disability in children is important for early intervention and support. Understanding the different traits associated with dyslexia (reading difficulty), dysgraphia (writing difficulty), and dyscalculia (difficulty in understanding number-based information and math) at various grade levels can help parents and educators identify these learning differences early on.  Here is a breakdown of red flags to watch for in children at different stages of their education:

Dyslexia Traits:

Kindergarten:

 -Difficulty rhyming words or recognizing letters and sounds.

- Struggles with learning the alphabet or identifying sight words.

- Challenges in following simple instructions and sequencing tasks.

 Grade 1

- Difficulty in sounding out words, recognizing common words, and comprehending texts can indicate a learning disability in reading.

- Slow progress in learning to read, including difficulty decoding words.

- Reversing letters or numbers when reading and writing.

- Poor spelling and frequent reading errors due to difficulty sounding out words.

 Grade 2

- Avoidance of Reading and Writing Tasks: Children might try to avoid reading aloud, writing essays, or engaging in activities that involve literacy skills.

 -Continues to struggle with basic reading fluency and comprehension.

- Difficulty with word recognition, leading to slower reading speed.

- Challenges in understanding longer texts and making inferences from reading material.

 Grade 3

 -Reading fluency involves reading with accuracy, speed, and expression. Children who lack fluency may have a learning disability.

-Difficulty with more complex vocabulary and reading comprehension.

- Struggles with reading aloud, including hesitations, substitutions, and omissions.

Dysgraphia Traits:

Kindergarten:

- Poor pencil grip and difficulty with coloring within lines.

- Challenges in forming letters and numbers correctly.

- Trouble with basic pre-writing skills like tracing and copying shapes

   Grade 1

- Inconsistent letter formation and sizing in written work.

- Difficulty with spelling and letter reversal (e.g., b/d, p/q).

- Slow and laborious handwriting, often causing frustration.

Grade 2

- Messy and illegible handwriting, affecting written assignments.

- Difficulty organizing thoughts and ideas cohesively on paper.

- Poor spacing between words and sentences in written work.

- Many children with learning disabilities struggle with spelling even basic words correctly.

        Look for consistent spelling errors in written work.

Grade 3

- Continued struggles with spelling and grammar in written compositions.

-  Avoidance of writing tasks due to frustration and low self-esteem.

-  Difficulty with planning and structuring written work effectively.

Dyscalculia Traits:

 Kindergarten:

- Challenges in understanding basic number concepts like counting and sequencing.

- Difficulty recognizing and writing numbers correctly.

 Grade 1:

-Trouble memorizing math facts and recalling basic arithmetic operations.

- Trouble with counting, basic addition, and subtraction might suggest a math-related learning disability

- Difficulty understanding place value and number relationships.

- Inconsistent performance in math tasks, showing gaps in foundational skills.

Grade 2:

- Poor understanding of mathematical symbols and concepts.

- Challenges in solving multi-step math problems and word problems.

  Grade 3:

  -Some children with learning disabilities might excel in some mathematical concepts but struggle with others, leading to inconsistency in math performance.

  -Struggles with mastering multiplication tables and division strategies.

  -Lack of fluency in performing math calculations quickly and accurately.

For parents concerned about their child's learning progress, it is essential to communicate with Teachers, School counselor, and Special Educator. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve a child's academic success and overall well-being.

Remember that every child is unique, and developmental milestones can vary. If you suspect that your child may have a learning disability, seek professional evaluation and support. With appropriate interventions and accommodations, children with learning disabilities can succeed and reach their full potential.

*If you feel your child needs help, do not hesitate to seek professional support.

Take Action. Support Inclusion. Like and share the article if you find it helpful. Please feel free to drop in your queries and follow #specialeducator @ www.sheenspecialneeds.com