DLS for Individuals and Educators – Early Warning Signs for Learning Disabilities

Developmental Learning Solutions for Individuals and Educators

Early Warning Signs for Learning Disabilities

Late talking compared to other children
Articulation ⁄ pronunciation problems
Slow vocabulary growth; often unable to find the right word
Difficulty rhyming words
Trouble learning numbers, the alphabet, days of the week
Extremely restless and easily distracted
Trouble interacting with peers
Poor ability to follow directions or routines
Slow to learn the connection between letters and sounds
Confuses basic words
Makes constant reading and spelling errors, including letter reversals (b ⁄ d), inversions (m ⁄ w), and transpositions (felt ⁄ left)
Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs
Slow recall of facts
Slow to learn new skills, relies heavily on memorization
Impulsive, lack of planning
Awkward pencil grip
Trouble learning about time
Poor coordination, unaware of physical surrounds, prone to accidents

Is remaining focused or paying attention during one or a variety of activities (class work, homework, project completion) an issue?
Is a certain subject area repeatedly below grade-level performance?
Are standardized test scores lower than expected?
Do educators comment regularly about your child′s behavior or performance?
Are you concerned about your child moving to the next grade?
Are you concerned about college prep or acceptance?
Are two or more hours a day spent on homework with little or no results?
Do parents or siblings have to consistently work one-on-one with the child to get work done?
If the client is an adult, is lack of job promotion or an incomplete college degree an issue?
Are social issues getting in the way of education?