How Are Learning
Disabilities First Identified?
The first step in
solving any problem is realizing there is one. Wallace, sadly,
was a product of his time, when learning disabilities were more
of a mystery and often went unrecognized. Today, professionals
would know how to help Wallace. Dennis and Susan were able to
get help because someone saw the problem and referred them for
help.
When a baby is born, the parents eagerly wait for the baby's first
step, first word, a myriad of other "firsts." During
routine checkups, the pediatrician, too, watches for more subtle
signs of development. The parents and doctor are watching for
the child to achieve developmental milestones. The developmental
milestones chart (omitted here; see page 18 of brochure) lists
a few of these markers and the ages and grades that they typically
appear.
Parents are usually
the first to notice obvious delays in their child reaching early
milestones. The pediatrician may observe more subtle signs of
minor neurological damage, such as a lack of coordination. But
the classroom teacher, in fact, may be the first to notice the
child's persistent difficulties in reading, writing, or arithmetic.
As school tasks become more complex, a child with a learning disability
may have problems mentally juggling more information.
The learning problems
of children who are quiet and polite in school may go unnoticed.
Children with above average intelligence, who manage to maintain
passing grades despite their disability, are even less likely
to be identified. Children with hyperactivity, on the other hand,
will be identified quickly by their impulsive behavior and excessive
movement. Hyperactivity usually begins before age 4 but may not
be recognized until the child enters school.
What should parents,
doctors, and teachers do if critical developmental milestones
haven't appeared by the usual age? Sometimes it's best to allow
a little more time, simply for the brain to mature a bit. But
if a milestone is already long delayed, if there's a history of
learning disabilities in the family, or if there are several delayed
skills, the child should be professionally evaluated as soon as
possible. An educator or a doctor who treats children can suggest
where to go for help
