Learning difficulties can cause a great deal of frustration for both the child and the parents. They hinder a child’s ability to acquire new skills and knowledge and can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and behavioural problems.

Early identification of learning difficulties can help to provide effective intervention and support. Here are 8 warning signs that can help identify learning difficulties:.

1. Difficulty with Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in words. Children with phonemic awareness difficulties may struggle with reading and spelling.

They may have difficulty breaking words into sounds, blending sounds to form words, and deleting sounds from words.

2. Poor Memory Retention

Children with poor memory retention may struggle to remember basic information presented in class. They may have difficulty recalling instructions, facts, or concepts. They may repeat themselves often or forget common vocabulary words.

3. Difficulty Understanding Concepts

Children may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts such as time, logical relationships, and mathematical concepts. They may also have trouble with problem-solving and decision-making tasks due to their difficulties with abstract thinking.

4. Reversing Letters and Numbers

Children who reverse letters and numbers, such as confusing “b” and “d” or “6” and “9”, may have difficulty with reading, writing, and math.

This is a warning sign of dyslexia, a learning difficulty that affects reading and language processing.

5. Poor Handwriting

Children who have difficulty with fine motor skills may have poor handwriting or struggle to express themselves in writing. They may struggle with letter formation, letter spacing, and staying within lines on paper.

6. Difficulty with Attention and Focus

Children who have difficulty with attention and focus may have trouble staying on task, following directions, or completing assignments. They may be easily distracted and have difficulty filtering out distractions from their environment.

7. Delayed Speech and Language Development

Children who have delayed speech and language development may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally and understanding what is said to them. They may have a limited vocabulary, struggle with grammar, and have difficulty with articulation.

Children who have difficulty with social skills may struggle with making and maintaining friends, interpreting social cues, and engaging in appropriate social behaviour.

They may have difficulty understanding the perspective of others, or may have trouble with empathy and compassion.

Parents need to understand that children with learning difficulties may require extra support and intervention to achieve academic success.

If your child exhibits any of these warning signs, consult with a qualified professional who can evaluate their performance and suggest appropriate interventions. Early intervention is key to overcoming learning difficulties and promoting academic success.