Learning Disability: What it is, Signs to Watch Out For and What Parents Can Do About It

At first glance, 5-year-old David seemed like your typical preschooler: running, jumping, playing ’til he dropped. But with closer observation, David’s teacher noticed something was amiss.

Whenever the teacher gave instructions for a class activity, David would just stare at her, brows curved, as if wondering what she was talking about. The teacher would then repeat the instructions, more slowly and more clearly. Still, there would be no sign of comprehension on David’s part. He would simply murmur a “Huh?” and go on with what he was doing.

David became increasingly restless and distracted, unable to stay in one place or sit through an activity, and would often forget where he put his things.    

Once, the teacher asked David some questions about a story they had just read in class. He answered with bits and pieces of what he recalled, beginning with the middle part.

A few months later, David was diagnosed with having a learning disability.


LEARNING DISABILITY: WHAT IT IS
A learning disability (LD) is a neurological disorder that affects the ability to understand, use oral or written language, or answer mathematical problems. The brain functions of a learning-disabled person are altered, hence affecting the brain’s “wiring” altogether.

People diagnosed with a learning disability generally have difficulty focusing attention and exhibit immature motor coordination. Learning disabilities vary from one individual to another in severity and complexity, and have been proven to be genetic.   

Click here to read more about learning disability and the red flags to watch out for.