X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parenting & Play by Friso
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-schooler
    • Kids
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Money Parenting
    • Tips for Parents
    • Tips for Toddlers
    • Tips for Older Kids
    • The 5 Personas
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

Four Most Common Learning Difficulties In Children and How Parents Can Help

5 min read
Four Most Common Learning Difficulties In Children and How Parents Can HelpFour Most Common Learning Difficulties In Children and How Parents Can Help

In this article we will look at the four most common learning disabilities and explore the ways in which you can help your child. Read more here.

Every child is different and most of us are familiar with this intriguing fact of life. Well then, why do we expect our children to have the same abilities and needs as other children? In this article we will look at the four most common learning difficulties and explore the ways in which you can help your child.

While school (and other learning activities) do form an important part of your child’s development, it’s important to remember that academic success isn’t necessarily the end
goal for all children. Your child is an individual with his/her own strengths and weaknesses. They should not be defined by a learning disability. Isn’t the best thing really to make sure your youngster has a happy life doing the things that he/she truly enjoys?

What is a Learning Disability?

learning disabilities

Source: iStock

A learning disability represents a single area of weakness in your child’s learning abilities. Difficulties with reading, writing, calculating and other learning skills are normally not a
cause for concern as children develop at different speeds and each child has a unique skill set.

A child with a learning disability also has several additional signs that don’t improve over time. These could include problems in some of the following areas: 1

  • Reading or writing
  • Math
  • Remembering things
  • Understanding words or concepts
  • Paying attention
  • Following instructions
  • Telling time
  • Staying organised
  • Clumsiness
  • Impulsiveness
  • Behavioural problems

There are different specific types of learning disabilities which each have their own signs. Let’s explore.

Dyslexia

learning disabilities

Source: iStock

Simply put, dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty with reading comprehension. Children with reading disabilities may also have trouble writing, speaking
and spelling. A child who has dyslexia might have trouble connecting letters and words with sounds or recognising specific words or grasping the meaning of certain words or phrases. 

Other signs that are associated with dyslexia could include things like slow reading, poor general vocabulary skills, speech delay, difficulty expressing thoughts, difficulty learning songs or rhymes and issues with spelling. 

Dyscalculia

If your child has difficulty with math they might have a specific learning disability known as dyscalculia. The signs of dyscalculia may include anything from memorising and organising numbers or mathematical signs to calculating change or calculating the solutions to math problems. Youngsters with dyscalculia may also have problems using money and understanding time. 

Dysgraphia

The term “dysgraphia” refers to a difficulty with writing. Youngsters with this learning disorder might have issues with spelling, handwriting and organising ideas on paper.
The signs of this learning disability could include any of the following: 

  • An inability to write neatly
  • The inaccurate copying of letters and words
  •  Inconsistencies with spelling
  • Trouble keeping writing organised and coherent
  • Not wanting to write or disliking it

Some children with dysgraphia might even seem tense while writing.

ADHD

Another condition that can make learning a larger challenge for some kids is ADHD (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Children with this disorder generally have problems staying focused, paying attention, sitting still, staying organised and following instructions. These kids usually also have trouble completing their schoolwork or homework. 

What Can You Do to Help?

learning difficulties

Source: iStock

There is hope for children with learning disabilities. Moreover, with lots of encouragement and support, you can help your child to gain greater self-confidence as a foundation for
future success. Under the correct learning conditions, your child’s brain can reorganise itself as it has the opportunity to form new neural connections.

These new connections can make it possible for the youngster to learn skills such as reading or writing that may have been hard using other learning strategies.  A professional can help to pinpoint what the exact problem is, and while this is extremely important, there’s also a lot that you can do. 

  •  Keep things in perspective by realising that a learning disability is not an
    insurmountable obstacle.
  • Get yourself informed by looking into the options that are available and by learning
    about some of the newer treatment options and services.
  • Take charge and become an advocate for your child. Speak up to make sure your
    child’s needs are understood.
  • Help your child to develop his/her passion and nurture their strengths. Learning
    might not be their strong suit, but they might excel at something else.
  • Teach your child the emotional skills needed to deal with criticism.
  • Your child needs to know that you believe in them. Children value their parent’s
    opinion of them and they are much more likely to succeed if they can count on your
    support.

Look at the Big Picture

With learning disabilities, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Your child needs your love and support more than anything else. Keep in mind that you are essentially helping
your child by teaching them ways to help themselves.

Partner Stories
How To Baby Proof Your House in 4 Easy Steps
How To Baby Proof Your House in 4 Easy Steps
Is Your Baby Wash Safe for Your Precious Little One? Is Bath Time Too Stressful? Here Are Some Handy Tips!
Is Your Baby Wash Safe for Your Precious Little One? Is Bath Time Too Stressful? Here Are Some Handy Tips!
Run a Company or Raise a Child? Why Singapore Makes It Very Possible to Do Both
Run a Company or Raise a Child? Why Singapore Makes It Very Possible to Do Both
Managing Screen Time For Kids During and After Circuit Breaker
Managing Screen Time For Kids During and After Circuit Breaker

This article has been contributed by Dr. Lisa Lim Su Li Clinical Director and Senior Speech Language Pathologist, The Speech Practice Pte Ltd

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

theAsianparent

  • Home
  • /
  • Parent's Guide
  • /
  • Four Most Common Learning Difficulties In Children and How Parents Can Help
Share:
  • How To Tell If A Child Is Struggling In School? Look Out For These 5 Signs

    How To Tell If A Child Is Struggling In School? Look Out For These 5 Signs

  • Symptoms and Treatment Options for Children With Dyslexia

    Symptoms and Treatment Options for Children With Dyslexia

  • Father of Primary School Kids Running on Tampines Walkway Roof Files Police Report Over Video

    Father of Primary School Kids Running on Tampines Walkway Roof Files Police Report Over Video

  • Singaporean Sugar Baby Spills The Beans On What Life Is Like With A Sugar Daddy

    Singaporean Sugar Baby Spills The Beans On What Life Is Like With A Sugar Daddy

app info
get app banner
  • How To Tell If A Child Is Struggling In School? Look Out For These 5 Signs

    How To Tell If A Child Is Struggling In School? Look Out For These 5 Signs

  • Symptoms and Treatment Options for Children With Dyslexia

    Symptoms and Treatment Options for Children With Dyslexia

  • Father of Primary School Kids Running on Tampines Walkway Roof Files Police Report Over Video

    Father of Primary School Kids Running on Tampines Walkway Roof Files Police Report Over Video

  • Singaporean Sugar Baby Spills The Beans On What Life Is Like With A Sugar Daddy

    Singaporean Sugar Baby Spills The Beans On What Life Is Like With A Sugar Daddy

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates on baby care and health.