Could your child have learning difficulties?

While every child has trouble with homework from time to time, if a certain area of learning is consistently problematic, it might indicate a learning difficulty.

According to Dr Johan Meyer, from Kip McGrath Boksburg, there are signs that indicate learning difficulties.

Learning difficulties may present themselves differently from one child to the next.

It’s not always easy to identify learning disabilities. Because of the wide variations, there is no single symptom or profile that you can look to as proof of a problem. However, some warning signs are more common than others.

Dr Meyer added that the following characteristics could indicate a learning difficulty.

These include problems in academic performance:

• When their reading, spelling and mathematics are weak and below the expected level for the child’s age.
• Generally their school work is of an unsatisfactory standard.
• They work too slowly and cannot complete tasks set out in class or they work too quickly, carelessly and without concentration.

Concentration:

• Difficulty remembering and carrying out verbal instructions.
• Difficulty in remembering concepts and facts, which were recently taught.
• Their concentration span is limited and your child is easily distracted by inconsequential activities and noises.
• They are often caught daydreaming or staring into space and they need to be refocused on the current activity.

Organisational skills:

• Your child’s homework books and other items are often left at home or they lose them, or the correct books and items needed to complete their homework are not at home.
• Their homework space is messy and disorganised.

Impulsive:

• Your child talks excessively.
• They are fidgety and impulsive. They cannot wait their turn and they shout answers, unexpectedly, in class.

Emotional control:

• Their anxiety levels are high and they often complain of headaches when they are confronted with tasks that are too difficult.
• They experience high levels of frustration and give up too easily.
• They show erratic and inconsistent emotions.

Behaviour:

• They are disruptive and attention seeking in class.
• Could have behavioural problems in the classroom.

“Some of these behaviours are typical of many children and are not in themselves a cause for concern.

“However, if a number of these behaviours are displayed on a regular basis over a period of time, then it is important to seek professional advice,” said Dr Meyer.

For more information on assisting children with learning and concentration problems email Kip McGrath on admin@adhdsolutions.co.za. You can also contact Dr Johan Meyer on 011 917-1230.