Warning Signs in Secondary School Children

Some learning disabilities go undetected until secondary school.  Physical changes occurring during adolescence and the increased demands of middle and senior high school may bring the disabilities to light.  Previously satisfactory performance declines.  Inappropriate social skills may lead to changes in peer relationships and discipline problems.  Increased frustration and poor self-concepts can lead to depression and/or outbursts.  Warning signs of learning disabilities in secondary school students include the following, which occur in a pattern of behaviours, to a significant degree, and over time:

Language and Mathematics

• Avoidance of reading and writing
• Tendency to misread information
• Difficulty summarizing
• Poor reading comprehension
• Difficulty understanding subject are textbooks
• Trouble with open-ended questions
• Continued poor spelling
• Poor grasp of abstract concepts
• Poor skills in writing essays
• Difficulty in learning a foreign language
• Poor ability to apply math facts

Attention/Organization

• Difficulty staying organized
• Trouble with test formats such as multiple choice
• Slow work pace in class and in testing situations
• Poor note taking skills
• Poor ability to proofread or double check work

Social Behaviour

• Difficulty accepting criticism
• Difficulty seeking or giving feedback
• Problems negotiating or advocating for oneself
• Difficulty resisting peer pressure
• Difficulty understanding another person's perspectives

Again, parents have the right to request an evaluation by the public schools to determine if the student has learning problems.

Summary

Research has shown that the sooner a LD is detected and intervention is begun, the better the chance to avoid school failure and to improve chance for success in life.  When parents or teachers suspect a child has learning disabilities, they should seek an evaluation.