Learning disabilities are usually not diagnosed until students have been in school for about two years, but there are often early signs parents may notice. Some signs of developmental delay are visible in early childhood. More importantly, there are also strategies and resources that can help.
1. What Causes LDs? Causes of Learning Disabilities are Varied
The presence of risk factors alone does not conclusively predict a child will have learning disabilities, but it indicates a need to monitor for early intervention needs.- Family history of learning disabilities;
- Parental pre-natal risk factors
- Substance abuse;
- Poor prenatal medical care and nutrition;
- Prenatal brain injury or delivery complications;
- Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead or toxic mold;
- Developmental differences and delays;
- Poverty; and
- Abuse and neglect.
2. Observe Your Child's Early Development for Signs of Learning Disabilities
Developmental Delays in any of the following can suggest the potential for learning disabilities:- Gross Motor - Large muscle movements such as standing, walking, or pulling up;
- Fine Motor - Small muscle movements such as grasping objects, moving fingers and toes;
- Communication and Early Language- Ability to understand words or to use speech;
- Cognitive Skills - Ability to think and solve problems; and
- Social/Emotional - Ability to interact appropriately with others and show appropriate emotional responses.
3. Whatch for Delays in Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are reached at predictable rates for non-disabled students. Mild to moderate delays do not always indicate a problem, as most children usually catch up.Generally, by about 12 months, your child should be able to stand and possibly take a few steps without support. He may show preferences for people and favorite toy and show anxiety with his parents leave. He will feed himself finger foods. He says ma-ma and da-da and understands "no," and possibly other familiar words for common objects and people. He gestures for attention.
4. Get Infant and Childhood Checkups On Time
Your pediatrician examine will examine your baby at birth to check vital signs and your child's response to various stimuli. During regular checkups, the doctor will check for normal development. Keep notes to share your concerns. If there is evidence of a problem, referrals will be made at that time to early intervention specialists for evaluation and treatment if necessary. Young children can also benefit from early vision exams.5. Development Delays - Watch Your Child's Development in School Each Year
After the first few months of preschool, schedule a meeting with your child's teacher. Share any concerns you have, and ask if your child is on track with development compared to other children. Public school districts provide screening and assessment to determine if developmental delays are present. If so, a school administrator will meet with you and an IEP team to discuss early intervention options available to you. If your child is diagnosed with a developmental delay, an individual education program[/link"> will be developed with you to address her needs.6. Watch for Delays in Reading, Language, and Math
Children continue to develop at different rates in primary school years. By the third year, children should be able to read simple chapter books at grade level, write simple sentences, add, subtract, and begin to multiply. Students may not perform these tasks with complete accuracy. It is normal for some letter reversals and mirror writing to appear in their work. Most students will learn to correct these errors with instruction. A small percentage of children will continue to have difficulty and will develop learning disabilities.7. Third Grade is a Critical Year for Identifying Disabilities
By third grade, suspect a problem when your child:- Does not connect letters and sounds;
- Cannot read grade-level text;
- Cannot understand what he reads;
- Cannot understanding number concepts;
- Cannot form letters or remember which letters stand for which sounds;
- Has difficulty following directions, even with help;
- Has poor memory;
- Cannot repeat information or copy items;
- Has difficulty following lines when cutting; and
- Has difficulty with attention or behavior.
