Recognizing the Signs: When to Consider Testing for Learning Disorders in Your Child
- Bayview Therapy
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
As parents, we want to see our children thrive in school, at home, and in life. We celebrate their wins, encourage them through challenges, and do everything in our power to support their success. But what happens when your child struggles in ways that don’t seem typical?
Perhaps they’re having difficulty keeping up in school, avoiding homework, or expressing frustration that leaves you wondering if there’s something more going on. For some children, these challenges may point to an underlying learning disorder. Recognizing the signs early can help you take the right steps to ensure your child gets the support they need to flourish.
In this blog, we’ll explore common signs of learning disorders, when to seek testing, and how early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your child’s academic and emotional well-being.
What Are Learning Disorders?
A learning disorder is a neurological condition that impacts a child’s ability to process, understand, or communicate information effectively. This can make it challenging for children to master skills such as reading, writing, math, or following instructions. Importantly, learning disorders are not a reflection of intelligence or effort—they simply mean that a child processes information differently.
The most common learning disorders include:
Dyslexia: Difficulty with reading, including problems with decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
Dyscalculia: Challenges with understanding and working with numbers, such as difficulty learning math facts or solving problems.
Dysgraphia: Struggles with writing, including poor handwriting, trouble organizing thoughts on paper, or spelling difficulties.
Auditory or Visual Processing Disorders: Difficulty making sense of information taken in through hearing or sight, even when sensory organs are functioning properly.
Recognizing the signs of these and other learning disorders early can help ensure that children receive the right accommodations, strategies, resources, and support.
Signs of Learning Disorders in Early Childhood
For many children, signs of learning disorders may first appear during preschool or early elementary years. While it’s normal for children to develop skills at different rates, there are certain red flags that may signal the need for further evaluation.
1. Delays in Developmental Milestones
Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, or rhymes.
Difficulty pronouncing words, forming sentences, or understanding directions.
Frequent confusion with directional terms like “up/down” or “inside/outside.”
2. Behavioral and Emotional Indicators
Frustration, meltdowns, or avoidance behaviors during academic tasks.
Low self-esteem or reluctance to try new things, stemming from repeated struggles.
Difficulty making friends due to struggles with communication or social cues.
3. Trouble with Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Difficulty holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, or drawing shapes.
Awkward or clumsy movements compared to peers.
If your preschooler or kindergartener consistently exhibits these challenges, it may be time to talk with their teacher or a pediatrician about whether further evaluation is needed.
Signs of Learning Disorders in Elementary School
As children progress into elementary school, academic expectations increase, making certain learning challenges more apparent. Here are some key indicators to watch for:
1. Reading Difficulties
Trouble recognizing letters or connecting sounds to letters (phonics).
Slow or choppy reading with frequent mispronunciations or skipped words.
Inability to understand or remember what they’ve just read.
2. Writing Struggles
Poor handwriting, inconsistent spacing, or difficulty forming letters.
Frequent spelling mistakes, even with simple, high-frequency words.
Trouble organizing thoughts into complete sentences or paragraphs.
3. Math Challenges
Difficulty understanding basic number concepts, such as more vs. less.
Struggles with memorizing math facts (e.g., times tables).
Confusion with multi-step problems or sequencing tasks.
4. Attention and Focus Issues
Trouble staying on task or following multi-step instructions.
Frequently losing items like homework, pencils, or books.
Easily distracted by noises, visuals, or other sensory input.
When these struggles persist despite classroom support or extra practice at home, it’s worth exploring the possibility of a learning disorder through professional testing.
When Should Parents Seek Testing?
Deciding when to seek testing can be a difficult decision. Many parents wonder if they’re overreacting or if their child will “grow out of” the difficulties. However, early intervention can be key to addressing learning disorders before they lead to frustration or loss of confidence.
Here are some situations where testing is recommended:
Consistent Struggles: Your child’s difficulties persist despite additional help from teachers, tutors, or at-home practice.
Teacher Feedback: Educators express concern about your child’s progress, noting specific challenges in reading, writing, math, or focus.
Behavior Changes: Your child shows signs of anxiety, avoidance, or low self-esteem related to schoolwork.
Family History: There is a family history of learning disorders, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
If you’re unsure whether testing is appropriate, consulting with a psychologist, learning specialist, or your child’s school counselor can help clarify the next steps.
What Happens During Testing?
Testing for learning disorders typically involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist. The process is designed to assess your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning style.
Here’s what to expect:
Parent and Teacher Input: You’ll complete questionnaires about your child’s behavior, learning history, and developmental milestones. Teachers may also provide input.
Standardized Testing: Your child will complete assessments that measure skills like reading, writing, math, memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Observation: The evaluator will observe your child’s behavior and approach to tasks.
Diagnosis and Recommendations: Based on the results, the psychologist will provide a diagnosis (if applicable) and recommendations for accommodations, interventions, or therapies.
The insights gained from testing can open doors to resources that help your child overcome obstacles and thrive.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Early identification of learning disorders allows for targeted interventions that can significantly improve a child’s academic performance and emotional well-being. With the right support, children with learning disorders can build confidence, develop effective strategies, and achieve their full potential.
Key benefits of early intervention include:
Tailored Learning Plans: Schools can create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans that provide accommodations, such as extra time on tests or modified assignments.
Improved Self-Esteem: Recognizing that their struggles have a name and solution can empower children to persevere.
Support Networks: Access to tutors, therapists, and other professionals who specialize in helping children with learning challenges.
Ready to Discover How Learning Disability Assessments Can Help Your Child?
At Bayview Therapy, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of learning disorders as a parent. Our team of compassionate psychologists and therapists is here to support you every step of the way. From comprehensive psychological testing to personalized therapy and parent guidance, we provide the tools and resources your family needs to succeed.
If you suspect your child may have a learning disorder or learning disability, don’t wait to seek answers. Early intervention can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Contact Bayview Therapy today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.
Call us at (954) 391-5305 for your complimentary consultation to discuss how we can help your child and family. Together, we can help your child unlock their potential and thrive.
