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Speech and Language Disorders Can Signify a Learning Disability
When a teacher encounters a child that has trouble with words, written or spoken, they get a pretty good idea what
the problem may stem from. Generally speaking, when language is an issue, it most probably is the direct result of
a learning disability. With so many disorders and conditions these days, it is not discountable. There are the
typical signs that indicate a learning disability, what of the hidden signs that a teacher or parent may not pick
up on?
When a child has a learning disability, they tend to hide the symptoms quite well in order to keep from being
centered out in class, or amongst their siblings. They will tend to shy away from simple tasks such as reading
small passages in children’s books to their parents, or brothers and sisters. They will not readily offer an answer
in the classroom, to questions that may even appear simple to many of the other students. By the child not raising
their hand to answer questions, the teacher gets the impression that they may be introverted or shy.
Sometimes, they may assume that the child has no real desire to participate in classroom activities. When it may be
that the child is not grasping the information that is laid out before them, or they are having a difficult time
putting words from the teacher in their perspective place in the brain. One of the first clues that there may be a
learning disability is the lack of focus in the classroom. The child may be very jumpy, or not be able to sit in
their seat for long. This will surely lead to the teacher addressing the child for continual movement that disrupts
the rest of their classmates.
It is a very common occurrence for a teacher to guess that the child may be hyperactive, and questions of ADD or
ADHD come to mind. Given the fact that many of the symptoms of ADD and ADHD can indeed mimic a learning disorder.
When this is the case, the teacher will obviously keep a close eye out on this child, and note any odd behaviors.
The problem with this is that the true condition really has nothing directly to do with any form of hyperactivity.
The jumpy and fidgety nature in this child is nothing more than the inability to focus and keep concentration due
to a lack of understanding. A solid clue to a learning disability would be the mix up in written letters such as
the case in Dyslexia where things can appear backwards. The child will definitely mix up oral presentations, as
well. In knowing this, the child will most probably avoid it all together, or hide amongst their peers in hopes of
being bypassed, for another student.
In addition, many times the student will have trouble understanding what the teacher is saying, as they have
trouble processing what is coming in as far as information is concerned. They may not be able to relate with the
conversation, and try to exclude themselves all together. This should definitely be a warning sign for the teacher.
At this point, they should quietly pull the child aside, and ask if they are having trouble understanding what is
going on in the classroom. If they seem apprehensive about answering, then there is a great chance that they really
don’t understand and are trying to conceal it, in fear of shame.
At this point the parents should be notified, and have an appointment scheduled. The parents need to be informed of
the concern, and that there are many possible methods of treatment available today. Many times it is not possible
for the disorder to be easily detected, as children that have it will find ways of compensating for it, prior to it
being noticed. This is not a really good idea for the student to attempt this, as later in their schooling it will
become much harder for them to pull this off. The increased workload will soon catch up with them, and by that
time, it will be too late. By having a soothing effect on the child and assuring them that it is ok to be
different, they will tend to open up much quicker, hence allowing for treatment much sooner. This can make all the
difference in the world.
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