15 Oct Why Smart Kids Struggle in School
Learning Difficulties
Children with learning disabilities show a discrepancy between intelligence and actual academic achievement. These young people simply have a unique way of learning and comprehending that isn’t always easily understood by peers, teachers, or parents. And because learning disabilities are complex, it’s often difficult to make sure these children’s needs are being fully met at school and at home.
Categories of Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability related to reading. Kids with learning problems in this area struggle with reading fluency (making connections between letters, sounds, and words) and/or with reading comprehension (understanding and remembering what has been read). Students with dyslexia struggle with letter identification, reading speed, sounding out words, and answering questions about reading material.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a learning disability related to movement. Children with dyspraxia struggle with fine motor skills and gross motor skills and can appear uncoordinated or clumsy. Dyspraxia can contribute to difficulty with timing and carrying out movements and with awareness of where the body is in space. It can affect handwriting accuracy, successful participation in gross motor play, and efficient completion of everyday tasks like eating with utensils and putting on shoes. It also can affect organizational skills such as planning, sequencing and memory.
Auditory Processing Disorders
Students with auditory processing problems struggle with understanding and retaining information they hear. They do not recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even though their hearing may be fine. They may have trouble with following directions presented verbally or with remembering information that is read aloud.
The child may also have difficulty filtering out background noise. Auditory processing problems get worse when the environment is noisy (such as an open classroom or large shopping mall).
Visual Processing Disorders
Visual processing (or visual perceptual) disorders affect how a child takes information in through the eyes. It’s the brain’s ability to “make sense” of what the eyes see. Visual perception is what allows us to identify attributes like size, orientation, depth and spatial relationships. Children with difficulty in this area may have trouble with puzzles, keeping their place when reading or writing, left/right confusion or organization on paper. They may also struggle with retaining information that they have read.
Dysgraphia
Difficulty with tasks like copying from the board, producing legible handwriting, and organizing ideas for writing may indicate a learning disability in the area of writing (dysgraphia). Children who are struggling in this area may exhibit reversals of letters in their writing (e.g. using b instead of d) or they may omit letters and words unintentionally. Children with dysgraphia may mix upper and lowercase letters, need constant verbal and visual cues for writing accurately, and demonstrate inconsistent sizing and letter formation in their writing.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a learning disability related to mathematical concepts. This type of learning disability causes students to struggle with basic math skills like memorizing math facts, understanding size and spatial concepts (e.g. which object is bigger), and comprehending time and money. Students with dyscalculia may struggle with comparing objects, and identifying or sequencing numbers.
Aphasia
A student who struggles significantly with language and communication may be classified as having aphasia which causes problems with speaking, listening, reading and writing. These students may struggle with producing clear speech and articulating words properly (expressive language) and/or with understanding the meaning of what others are saying (receptive language).
Common Signs of Learning Difficulties in Kids
- Difficulty reading or understanding written text
- Poor handwriting or difficulty with writing tasks
- Struggling to grasp basic math concepts
- Trouble following instructions
- Difficulty staying focused or paying attention
- Problems with memory or retaining information
- Avoidance of schoolwork or frustration with learning tasks
- Difficulty organizing thoughts or materials
- Slow processing speed compared to peers
- Trouble with coordination or motor skills, such as holding a pencil or tying shoes
Key Features of Learning Difficulties
The features of a learning disability can be as unique as the child himself. Students can also have learning problems in multiple areas, resulting in a unique presentation of behaviors and learning styles. These children are best able to learn when material is presented in a way that emphasizes their strengths and when instruction appeals to their unique style of learning.
If you notice early signs of learning difficulties in your child, like such as handwriting, or grasping specific academic concepts, or struggling with reading; ask his teacher if a screening is necessary. A school psychologist is typically the primary professional involved in testing for and identifying learning disabilities, but often the evaluation process involves a team of professionals. This can include special education teachers, speech language therapists and occupational therapists.
I Think My Child Has Learning Difficulties
If you suspect your child is showing early signs of learning difficulties, such as struggles with handwriting, reading, or understanding key concepts, don’t rely solely on school-based evaluations. Schools often face limitations, including biases and a lack of resources, that can affect the quality and impartiality of their assessments. Independent educational testing is essential to ensure your child receives an unbiased, thorough evaluation by qualified professionals who specialize in learning disabilities. This approach helps avoid delays and misdiagnoses, providing a clear, objective understanding of your child’s needs and securing the right support for their learning journey.
What Can Educational Testing Show
The results of educational testing can reveal various aspects of a child’s learning profile, helping to identify specific strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what educational testing results can show:
- Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or ADHD.
- Cognitive abilities, including IQ, problem-solving skills, and reasoning.
- Academic achievement levels in subjects like math, reading, and writing.
- Processing speed and how quickly a student can take in, process, and respond to info.
- Working memory and its impact on learning and retention.
- Visual or auditory processing disorders, affect how students interpret visual & spoken information.
- Executive functioning skills, including organization, planning, and attention control.
- Social-emotional challenges, such as anxiety or emotional regulation issues.
- Motor skills related to writing, coordination, and other motor tasks.
- Recommendations for accommodations, support strategies, and individualized learning plans.
Early identification and intervention are key to ensuring children with learning disabilities receive the support they need. By conducting thorough assessments, educators and psychologists can identify specific areas of difficulty and tailor interventions accordingly. This can include accommodations such as extra time on tests, individualized learning plans, or specialized teaching methods that address the child’s unique learning style.
Parents play an essential role in this process by recognizing early signs, such as difficulty following instructions, trouble with reading or math, or frustration with schoolwork, and seeking professional evaluation when necessary.