1. Learning
Disabilities
Signs and symptoms
Other disorders that make learning difficult
Hope for learning disabilities
2. Preschool signs and symptoms
of learning disabilities
Problems pronouncing words
Trouble finding the right word
Difficulty rhyming
Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers,
colors, shapes, days of the week
Difficulty following directions or learning
routines
Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and
scissors or coloring within the lines
Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps,
learning to tie shoes
3. Grades K-4 signs and symptoms
of learning disabilities
Trouble learning the connection between
letters and sounds
Unable to blend sounds to make words
Confuses basic words when reading
Consistently misspells words and makes
frequent reading errors
Trouble learning basic math concepts
Difficulty telling time and remembering
sequences
Slow to learn new skills
4. Grades 5-8 signs and symptoms
of learning disabilities
Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills
Trouble with open-ended test questions and word
problems
Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud
Spells the same word differently in a single document
Poor organizational skills (bedroom, homework, desk is
messy and disorganized)
Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing
thoughts aloud
Poor handwriting
5. Other disorders that make
learning difficult
Anxiety
Depression
stressful events
emotional trauma
and other conditions affecting concentration
make learning more of a challenge
In addition, ADHD and autism sometimes co-
occur or are confused with learning disabilities.
6. How does understanding the
brain help a learning
disorder?
Science has made great strides in
understanding the inner workings of the
brain, and one important discovery that
brings new hope for learning disabilities
and disorders is called neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s
natural, lifelong ability to change.
Throughout life, the brain is able to form
new connections and generate new brain
cells in response to experience and
learning.
7. "Disability is not a brave
struggle or ‘courage in the
face of adversity.’ Disability is
an art. It’s an ingenious way
to live."
- Neil Marcus-
