Having trouble deciphering if your homeschooled child may be dealing with a learning disability? Being able to recognize the signs and indicators of different learning disabilities is the first step in helping your child get the assistance they need. In this article, you will learn fifteen questions you can use to evaluate your homeschooled child for a potential learning disability.
Are There Any Obvious Signs of Struggling?
The first step to evaluate your homeschooled child for a potential learning disability is to look for some of the most obvious signs and indicators of a issue. Have you noticed that your child struggles to keep up with their peers or take longer to complete activities than other children? Are they exhibiting signs of frustration or struggling to express themselves?
Do they have difficulty doing common tasks that have to be done in a certain order, such as getting dressed or following instructions? These are all potential indicators of a learning disability.
If you have noticed any of these signs in your child, it is important to take the appropriate steps to further evaluate them for a potential learning disability. It is important to note that not all children who struggle are dealing with a learning disability, so it is important to not jump to any conclusions yet.
Are There Struggles with Reading and Writing?
If a child is dealing with a learning disability, they may have difficulty with tasks related to reading and writing. Are they having trouble understanding and remembering certain concepts related to language and communication?
Do they have trouble decoding words, misspelling words, leaving out words, having difficulty forming sentences, or mixing up words? All of these signs could be indicators that a learning disability is present. Additionally, if your child is having difficulty with reading aloud or recognizing common sight words, this could also be a potential sign of a learning disability.
It is important to be aware of all of these possibilities when evaluating your child for a potential learning disability.
Do They Perform Differently in Different Settings?
It is also important to pay attention to how your child is performing in different settings. If your child performs very differently in different environments, it is possible that a learning disability is preventing them from expressing their learning abilities in certain situations. For instance, if your child is performing well in a homeschool setting but struggles in a traditional school setting, this could be due to their difficulties with a learning disability that is only highlighted in certain environments.
Additionally, if you notice that their performance improves when they are in a small setting or one-on-one tutoring session, this could be another indicator that a learning disability is present.
Are They Struggling With Math or Logic Based Tasks?
Many children with learning disabilities struggle with math or logic based tasks. Do they have difficulty understanding certain concepts related to math or other STEM related topics?
Are they having trouble with memorization or tasks that require a lot of sequencing or patterns? These are all potential signs of a learning disability. If your child is dealing with a learning disability, they may also struggle to understand simple logic based tasks or reasoning skills.
This can range from difficulty recognizing basic symbols or symbols associated with language, to difficulty understanding directions and instructions.
Do They Struggle with Social Interactions or Motor Skills?
Learning disabilities can also cause children to struggle with social interactions or motor skills. Are they having difficulty following simple commands or taking longer to complete tasks related to motor skills? Do they have difficulty communicating or understanding social cues or emotions?
These are all potential indicators of a learning disability. It is important to look for any obvious signs of struggling when evaluating your child for a learning disability.
Additionally, if your child is having difficulty forming relationships, this could be a sign that a learning disability is present.
Do They Have Trouble with Memory or Concentration?
Another common indicator of a learning disability is difficulty with memory or concentration. Does your child have a hard time remembering simple tasks or instructions? Do they have difficulty focusing on certain tasks or needing a lot of encouragement to finish a project?
All of these can be potential signs of a learning disability. Additionally, some children with learning disabilities may need to approach tasks more concretely, such as using visuals or manipulatives to grasp certain concepts.
If this is the case, it is important to take that into consideration and make sure to provide the necessary resources for your child to learn.
Do They Lack Self-Awareness or Seem Indifferent to Results?
If your child does not seem to be aware of their own progress or progress made in a certain task, this could be an indicator of a learning disability. Do they appear indifferent to their own results or lack self-awareness? Are they exhibiting signs of avoidance of certain tasks or activities?
These could all be signs that it is time to further evaluate your child.
Are They Struggling With Executive Functions?
Executive functions are important skills related to planning, organization, and time management. Are your child having trouble with any of these types of tasks?
Do they need assistance planning or staying organized? Are they having difficulty keeping track of time or managing their schedule? These could all be strong indicators that a learning disability is present.
Do They Have Trouble With Visual or Auditory Processing?
Finally, it is important to consider any struggles your child might have with visual or auditory processing. Do they have difficulty understanding visual information, such as handwriting or diagrams? Or do they struggle with understanding auditory information, such as following directions or verbal instructions?
These can both be potential indicators of a learning disability.
Conclusion
Being able to identify a potential learning disability is the first step in getting your homeschooled child the help they need. By asking the fifteen questions outlined in this article, you can better evaluate your child for a possible learning disability and provide the assistance they need for success. It is also important to remember that not every child who is struggling may be dealing with a learning disability, so it is important to take a holistic approach when looking for potential indicators.