Characteristics of Children With Learning Disabilities

When children have trouble sitting still, can't keep quiet, do crazy things on impulse, struggle with language or math related activities, and are unable to finish their homework or chores, they might have learning disabilities. Medical professionals can test them for dyslexia (reading and writing disability), dyscalculia (mathematical disability), dysgraphia (writing or fine motor skills deficit) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dyslexia (Reading/Writing)

• Dyslexic children read painfully and slowly. It is much easier for these children to understand text by listening to the spoken word than it is to read it. Handwriting is difficult, as these children have trouble putting letters in the right order as well as spelling and remembering words. Dyslexic children may also have difficulty with math problems. These children are more able to learn and be productive in a quiet place with access to a laptop, and information on tape or in books with large print.

Dyscalculia (Math)

• Children with dyscalculia struggle to understand basic math principles. Quantity, positive and negative value, addition and subtraction, fractions and money transactions are difficult concepts for these children to understand. Children with this learning disability also have a hard time recognizing sequences in math operations, events or times like the days of the week and organizing math problems. Children with a mathematical disability are helped when problems are explained in diagrams, through music or on a computer.

Dysgraphia (Writing/Fine Motor Deficit)

• Children with dysgraphia have a fine motor deficit that creates problems trying to print clearly and slows them down when copying or writing. Their writing is inconsistent, with different cases, irregular letters, unfinished words, and irregular spacing. These children position their wrists, paper or body in strange positions and may complain that their hand is sore. Children with writing disabilities find it difficult to think and write at the same time. Pencil grips, writing aids designed for children with learning disabilities, and computers can help these students in school.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• ADHD children fall into three categories: inattentive types, hyperactive-impulsive types and combined types, who are too active, impulsive and inattentive. Impulsive and hyperactive children are unable to sit still or stay in their chairs; they run around and interfere in other children's games. When speaking to others, these children are loud, talk too much, interrupt others and have difficulty waiting their turn. Each child has unique needs that can be managed by teaching the child how to control their behavior and, if recommended by a doctor, medication.