Understanding the First Signs
A Parent’s Story
When Sarah’s son, Ethan, started first grade, she noticed something unusual. While other children raced through storybooks, Ethan struggled to remember words he had just read minutes earlier. Homework often ended in tears, and despite Sarah’s efforts, Ethan’s frustration grew. Like many parents, she wondered: Was this just a phase, or was something deeper happening?
Stories like Sarah’s are common, yet parents often hesitate to ask questions about learning disabilities. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, nearly 1 in 5 children in the United States has a learning or attention issue, but only a portion receive proper support (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2020). This gap often leaves children feeling left behind while parents are left searching for answers.
Everyday Struggles Parents Notice
Parents are usually the first to see the subtle hints. Sometimes these challenges look like ordinary school struggles, but if they repeat over time, they can point to learning disabilities.
| What Parents Often Notice | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Forgetting instructions quickly | Trouble with working memory or processing speed |
| Avoiding reading aloud | Difficulty decoding or understanding written words |
| Struggles with handwriting | Possible fine motor or written expression challenges |
| Constantly losing track of time | Weak organizational or executive functioning skills |
| Frustration with math | Struggles with number sense or problem-solving |
At first, these struggles may appear minor, even something a child will “grow out of.” But they can also be early warning signs that a child needs extra support.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Research shows that children who receive intervention for learning disabilities early on perform significantly better in academics and social-emotional growth compared to those who do not (Cortiella & Horowitz, 2014). For parents, this means recognizing the signs is not about labeling a child — it’s about unlocking the tools that will help them thrive.
The 8 Signs Every Parent Should Watch For
1. Struggles With Reading
One of the earliest signs of learning disabilities is trouble with reading. A child may avoid reading aloud, skip words, or forget what they just read. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, about 32% of fourth graders read below the basic level expected for their age (NAEP, 2022). For some, this is due to gaps in instruction, but for others, it points to learning disabilities like dyslexia.
Parents may notice:
- Reading aloud feels frustrating or slow
- Difficulty sounding out words
- Trouble remembering details from stories
2. Trouble With Writing
Children with learning disabilities often struggle with handwriting, spelling, or putting ideas on paper. This isn’t about being “messy” — it can be linked to conditions like dysgraphia. Research shows that 7–15% of school-aged childrenexperience writing difficulties tied to learning disabilities (Berninger, 2015).
Possible red flags:
- Letters that are hard to read or reversed
- Sentences that don’t match spoken ability
- Complaints of hand pain or fatigue while writing
3. Difficulty With Math
Many children dislike math, but for some, it goes beyond dislike. Children with dyscalculia may have trouble understanding numbers, patterns, or time. Studies suggest that 5–7% of children worldwide have math-related learning disabilities (Butterworth et al., 2011).
Parents should look for:
- Trouble memorizing math facts
- Difficulty telling time
- Anxiety when faced with math problems
4. Weak Memory Skills
If your child frequently forgets instructions, loses track of steps, or has trouble recalling facts they just studied, it may signal working memory difficulties. Research highlights that children with learning disabilities often perform much lower on memory tasks compared to peers (Gathercole & Alloway, 2008).
Signs to watch:
- Needs directions repeated often
- Forgets daily routines
- Struggles to follow multi-step tasks
5. Problems With Attention
Not every child with attention issues has ADHD, but attention struggles often overlap with learning disabilities. The CDCreports that about 9.8% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD (CDC, 2022). A child with both attention challenges and learning disabilities may find school especially difficult.
Possible behaviors:
- Difficulty staying focused on schoolwork
- Easily distracted by noises or movement
- Frequent incomplete assignments
6. Challenges With Organization
Organization requires executive functioning skills, which are often weak in children with learning disabilities. They may lose homework, forget deadlines, or mix up materials. Teachers often see these children as “careless,” but the issue is often deeper.
Parents may notice:
- Backpacks and desks always messy
- Struggles to plan ahead for projects
- Trouble keeping track of time or schedules
7. Social or Emotional Struggles
Learning disabilities don’t only affect academics. Children may feel embarrassed, frustrated, or isolated. According to a report by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, more than 1 in 3 parents of children with learning disabilities report that their child struggles with self-esteem and confidence (NCLD, 2017).
Warning signs:
- Avoids school or homework
- Withdraws from peers
- Expresses feelings of being “dumb” or “different”
8. Falling Behind Despite Effort
Perhaps the clearest sign is when a child works hard but still lags far behind classmates. Parents might see long hours of homework with little progress. Teachers may note consistent struggles despite repeated instruction. This gap often signals that a child needs formal evaluation.
Parents may observe:
- Hours spent studying with little retention
- Grades much lower than the effort put in
- Constant frustration with learning tasks
Quick Reference Table: 8 Signs of Learning Disabilities
| Sign | What Parents May Notice | Possible Underlying Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Struggles With Reading | Avoids reading, forgets details | Dyslexia or decoding issues |
| Trouble With Writing | Messy handwriting, reversed letters | Dysgraphia |
| Difficulty With Math | Trouble telling time, anxiety with math | Dyscalculia |
| Weak Memory Skills | Forgets directions, routines | Working memory difficulties |
| Problems With Attention | Can’t focus, incomplete tasks | ADHD + learning issues |
| Challenges With Organization | Messy materials, forgets deadlines | Executive functioning weakness |
| Social or Emotional Struggles | Low confidence, avoids peers | Emotional impact of LD |
| Falling Behind Despite Effort | Works hard with little progress | Undiagnosed learning disability |
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Not all struggles mean a learning disability, but consistent challenges across settings are worth paying attention to.
- Early evaluation can provide clarity and open doors to interventions.
- Parents don’t need to figure this out alone — schools and outside resources can help.
With these eight signs in mind, the next step is understanding how to respond. Recognizing learning disabilities is only the beginning; supporting your child’s growth requires the right tools, mindset, and community.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Recognizing the Journey
Discovering that your child may have learning disabilities can feel overwhelming at first. Parents often fear what a diagnosis might mean, or worry about how their child will fit in at school. But recognizing the signs isn’t about labeling a child — it’s about finding a path that matches their unique needs. With understanding and support, children can thrive, even when learning disabilities are part of their story.
The Parent’s Role
Parents are a child’s first and strongest advocates. By noticing the signs early and seeking evaluations when needed, you create opportunities for your child to receive tailored support. Small steps, like open communication with teachers or setting up routines at home, can make a big difference. What matters most is consistency and encouragement.
Ways parents can help right away:
- Talk to your child’s teacher about what you’ve noticed
- Keep records of schoolwork and report cards
- Encourage your child’s strengths as much as you address challenges
- Seek evaluations from school specialists if concerns persist
Where to Find Support
No parent has to face this journey alone. Schools, community programs, and online resources offer guidance. Scholarlysphere, through our blogs and articles about education and learning and school, provides insights to help parents better understand learning disabilities and find practical strategies for daily life. With reliable information, you’ll feel less isolated and more empowered to take action.
A Future Full of Possibility
Children with learning disabilities often go on to succeed in school, careers, and relationships. Some of the world’s most creative thinkers and leaders faced these same challenges. With the right tools, your child can turn struggles into strengths.
The first step is recognizing the signs and taking them seriously. The next step is seeking help and support — because no child should feel like their best efforts aren’t enough. The more parents understand, the more children can grow into confident learners.
So as you think about your own child’s experiences, ask yourself: Could the struggles I’m seeing be signs of a learning disability?
Works cited
Prevalence and Trends in Diagnosed Learning Disability Among US Children and Adolescents, 1997-2021” — finds ~8.83% prevalence in ages 6–17 in the US PMC
“Prevalence of Learning Disabilities” (NCBI) — ~7.8% of children ages 3–17 reported with learning disabilities in 2007; ~8.0% in 2011–12 NCBI
“Children at Risk of Specific Learning Disorder: A Study on Prevalence” — reports 5–15% prevalence for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) across cultures; reading disorder 4–9%, math 3–7% PMC
“Understand the Issues — National Center for Learning Disabilities” — 2.4 million students identified, over 90% with SLD not proficient in reading/math NCLD
“What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the US” (Pew Research) — 32% of students receiving IDEA services had a specific learning disability in 2021-22 Pew Research Center
“Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and Behavior Impairment” (MDPI) — discusses that working memory and writing skills are among the most compromised in SLD MDPI
“What Are Specific Learning Disorders?” (APA) — defines SLD, symptoms in reading, spelling, written expression, math concepts American Psychiatric Association
“Students With Disabilities, Inclusion” (NCES) — in fall 2022, 76% of students under IDEA with specific learning disabilities spent ≥80% of day in general classes National Center for Education Statistics
“Global and regional prevalence of disabilities among children and adolescents” (UNICEF/GBD) — global disability rates, useful for context PMC
“The State of Learning Disabilities Today” (LDA America) — “1 in 5 individuals in the United States have learning and attention issues” ldaamerica.org
“Early signs of specific learning disabilities in early childhood” (review) — signs can appear even in preschool years ResearchGate+1
