Many children may struggle in school with some topics or skills from time to time. When children try hard and still struggle with a specific set of skills over time, it could be a sign of a learning disorder. Having a learning disorder means that a child has difficulty in one or more areas of learning, even when overall intelligence or motivation is not affected.

Teacher working with student
Some of the symptoms of learning disorders are

Difficulty telling right from left
Reversing letters, words, or numbers, after first or second grade
Difficulties recognizing patterns or sorting items by size or shape
Difficulty understanding and following instructions or staying organized
Difficulty remembering what was just said or what was just read
Lacking coordination when moving around
Difficulty doing tasks with the hands, like writing, cutting, or drawing
Difficulty understanding the concept of time
Examples of learning disorders include

Dyslexia – difficulty with reading
Dyscalculia – difficulty with math
Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing
Children with learning disorders may feel frustrated that they cannot master a subject despite trying hard, and may act out, act helpless, or withdraw. Learning disorders can also be present with emotional or behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or anxiety. The combination of problems can make it particularly hard for a child to succeed in school. Properly diagnosing each disorder is crucial, so that the child can get the right kind of help for each.

Treatment for learning disorders
Children with learning disorders often need extra help and instruction that are specialized for them. Having a learning disorder can qualify a child for special education services in school. Schools usually do their own testing for learning disorders to see if a child needs intervention. An evaluation by a healthcare professional is needed if there are other concerns about the child’s behavior or emotions. Parents, healthcare providers, and the school can work together to find the right referrals and treatment.