What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Learning Disorders?

by Meg Louis

Overview

Learning disorders involve academic performance at a level substantially below what is expected for the child's age or level of education. Signs of learning disorders may be observable in several different areas.
Motor Difficulties

Problems with coordination and movement may be symptomatic of learning disorders. For example, the child may have difficulty holding a pencil or performing other tasks that require hand-eye coordination.

Math Difficulties

Math difficulties may include problems with counting, telling time, learning basic mathematical operations and signs, and memorization of mathematical principles.
Reading Difficulties

Reading difficulties may include slow reading, comprehension problems and trouble with letter and word recognition.
Language Difficulties

Language difficulties may include delayed speech development and trouble with verbal language skills, understanding the meaning of words or concepts and following directions.
Writing Difficulties

Writing difficulties may involve either trouble with basic writing skills, such as forming letters on paper, or with effectively organizing thoughts on paper to express an idea.
Interference in Daily Life

To be diagnosed with a learning disorder, the child's difficulties must interfere with activities of daily life that require these skills.