A Parent’s Guide to Learning Disabilities: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Support

Young girl works in an academic workbook with guidance from a tutor

As a parent, it is natural to wonder if your child is developing at an expected pace, especially when it comes to learning. Learning disabilities are neurological differences that affect how a child processes information, making it challenging to read, write, spell, or perform math. These difficulties are not related to intelligence but rather to the way the brain interprets and responds to information. Identifying learning disabilities early can help ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Brief Overview of Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities encompass a range of challenges that can impact a child’s ability to acquire and use academic skills. Some common types include disabilities in reading (“dyslexia”), written expression (“dysgraphia”), and mathematics (“dyscalculia”). 

Understanding the Difference Between Learning Disabilities and Other Challenges

Many parents wonder how learning disabilities differ from other difficulties their child may face in school. While learning disabilities are specific neurological conditions that impact the ability to acquire academic skills, other challenges—such as attention disorders, developmental delays, and emotional difficulties—can also affect a child’s learning experience.

  • Learning Disabilities vs. ADHD: ADHD primarily affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While children with ADHD may struggle academically due to difficulty focusing, their challenges are related to attention rather than the ability to process and retain academic information.
  • Learning Disabilities vs. Intellectual Disabilities: Learning disabilities do not affect overall intelligence. A child with a learning disability may struggle with specific skills like reading or math but can still have average or above-average intelligence. Intellectual disabilities, on the other hand, impact general cognitive abilities, including problem-solving and adaptive skills.
  • Learning Disabilities vs. Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders can also interfere with learning. However, these challenges are rooted in emotional regulation and mental health rather than cognitive processing difficulties.

Early Signs

Recognizing the signs early allows for timely intervention and support to help children develop strategies to overcome these challenges. Here are some key early signs of learning disabilities to be aware of in preschool and early school-age children.

  1. Language and Communication Challenges
    • Delayed speech development compared to peers.
    • Difficulty pronouncing words or forming complete sentences.
    • Struggles to follow simple directions or understand questions.
    • Limited vocabulary or trouble finding the right words when speaking.
  2. Difficulty with Reading and Writing
    • Difficulty recognizing letters, rhymes, or basic phonics.
    • Struggles with learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, or shapes.
    • Trouble remembering simple words or frequently confusing similar-looking letters (e.g., b and d).
    • Avoidance of activities that involve reading or writing.
  3. Trouble with Numbers and Basic Math
    • Difficulty recognizing numbers and understanding basic counting principles.
    • Problems with simple math concepts such as addition and subtraction.
    • Inconsistent ability to recall math facts or sequences (e.g., days of the week).
  4. Memory and Attention Struggles
    • Difficulty remembering multi-step instructions.
    • Trouble recalling names, stories, or learned material.
    • Easily distracted and struggles to stay focused on tasks.
    • Frequently losing items or forgetting daily routines.
  5. Motor Skills and Coordination Difficulties
    • Clumsiness or trouble with hand-eye coordination.
    • Difficulty holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, or using buttons and zippers.
    • Poor handwriting or trouble staying within lines when coloring.
  6. Behavioral and Emotional Signs
    • Frustration or avoidance of academic tasks.
    • Frequent meltdowns or anxiety related to schoolwork.
    • Low self-esteem or reluctance to participate in group learning activities.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you recognize several of these early signs in your child, it may be beneficial to pursue an evaluation by our assessing psychologist. TLC Wellness offers free phone consultations to determine if your child would benefit from an evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping children develop strategies to overcome challenges and build confidence in their learning abilities. If you have any questions and would like more information, please give us a call at 610-389-9090

What Does a Learning Disability Evaluation at TLC Wellness Entail?

Learning disability evaluations include a parent interview, school observation, clinical interview with your child, as well as standardized measures of cognitive abilities (IQ testing) and academic achievement. They may also include measures to assess executive functioning, and most evaluations include measures of social/emotional/behavioral functioning including parent, teacher, and in some cases, child input. At the culmination of the evaluation, families will receive a detailed report outlining their child’s functioning, strengths and weaknesses, diagnoses (if applicable), and recommendations for intervention, all of which will be reviewed during a feedback session.

Written by Dr. Jessica Savaiano, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA, LBS

About Dr Savaiano

Dr. Jessica Savaiano is a Licensed Psychologist, Pennsylvania and Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Specialist, and Registered Yoga Teacher. She earned her doctoral degree in school psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was awarded the Provost’s Award for Academic Excellence. Dr. Savaiano has worked with neurodivergent children and adolescents in the greater Philadelphia area for the past ten years and specializes in the assessment of individuals who struggle with cognitive, learning, executive functioning, social, emotional, and behavioral issues.

About TLC Wellness

TLC Wellness is dedicated to serving individuals of all ages and addressing a diverse spectrum of mental health needs. The mission is to provide compassionate and effective therapy services, tailored to each person’s unique circumstances, to promote healing, resilience, and holistic well-being within the community. By utilizing proven modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, acceptance and commitment therapy tools, and family systems/relational models, TLC Wellness strives to empower individuals on their journey toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.