How to tell if my child has a learning disability?

Did you know that 10% of children have some kind of learning disability? Learning disorders are a more recurrent problem than many people realize, affecting millions of children who struggle daily to adapt to school. If not treated in time, they can have serious consequences on social and mental health, leading to low self-esteem and lack of motivation, which can result in school dropout.

In this article, we are going to explain some of the most common types of learning disabilities, along with the most recurrent signs that you need to learn to identify to help your children.

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to send, receive and process information, preventing a child from learning a specific skill and using it effectively. También pueden afectar a la sociabilización y a la realización de las tareas más cotidianas.

Although there is no cure, early intervention can diminish its effects and prevent its further progression to ensure that those who suffer from it have an excellent future.

There are cases of celebrities who have been able to overcome their learning disability and become truly successful, such as Richard Branson, who despite being born with dyslexia, managed to become one of the richest people on the planet, and recently organized a trip to space.

Types of learning disabilities

Among the most common types of learning disabilities are those that affect reading, mathematical expression, use of non-verbal skills and understanding of mathematics.

On the other hand, they can also affect pronunciation of the simplest words, speech development, and letter and word recognition, not to mention those that affect concentration and following school rules and regulations.

Signs of learning disabilities

If your child has difficulty reading, writing or using math, lacks coordination in walking, playing sports or using a pencil, or has difficulty remembering what someone has just told them, they probably have a learning disability.

However, there are other patterns and behaviors that we can assess in a child that parents often downplay, including a tendency to misplace school supplies, reluctance to do homework or attend school, or difficulty completing homework without significant parental help.

What can you do to help your child?

As with any other illness or problem, the best way to treat your child’s learning disabilities and help them have an excellent school life is through early intervention to prevent these problems from evolving and affecting their adult life.

There are many ways you can treat your child’s learning disabilities, depending on the problem that afflicts them and the trigger that caused them. While some people develop these disorders because of family history or genetics, or exposure to drugs or alcohol during childbirth, others develop them through psychological or physical trauma they suffered in childhood.

That’s why taking your child to therapy or offering them extra help through a tutor who specializes in the area they are struggling with can work miracles in treating these conditions and help them enjoy a better life.

From the QLU team, we wish you our best wishes for your child and your family, no matter which educational institution you choose to entrust their future of your family. Because we love education, and we wish the best for every child on the planet!