It is important to understand that not all learning disabilities occur because of poor prenatal habits. Fortunately, however, many prenatal risks are preventable.
Family history of learning disabilities;Injuries and long-term illnesses affecting neurological developmentParental substance abusePoor prenatal medical care and nutritionPrenatal injury or delivery complicationsExposure to environmental toxins such as lead or toxic moldAbuse and neglect
Gross Motor - Large muscle movements such as standing, walking, or pulling up. Fine Motor - Small muscle movements such as grasping objects, moving fingers and toes. Communication - Ability to understand language or to use speech. Cognitive Skills - Ability to think and solve problems. Social/Emotional - Ability to interact appropriately with others and show appropriate emotional responses.
Students may not perform these tasks with complete accuracy. It is normal for some letter reversals and mirror writing to appear in a child’s work through first and second grade. Most students will learn to correct these errors with instruction, and by third grade these errors should be infrequent.
Does not connect letters and soundsCannot read grade-level textCannot understand what they readCannot understand number conceptsDoes not understand that numerals represent quantitiesCannot form letters or remember which letters stand for which soundsHas difficulty following directions, even with helpHas poor memoryHas difficulty communicating with peers and adultsCannot repeat information or copy itemsHas difficulty following lines when cuttingHas difficulty with attention or behavior
