There are about 8 different reasons why children may have problems learning in school. Each of these problems may show up in a classroom as a symptom or a variety of symptoms. Just like a fever, cough, running nose, congestion and body aches may all be symptoms of the flu (the cause) academic symptoms may also be indicative of a cause. It is important to recognize and identify the specific cause of learning problems so that they can be resolved. Otherwise you are only treating symptoms and the problem will continue to get worse.
Possible Cause #1-Intellectual limitations
When intellectual limitations may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- low academic achievement
- short attention span
- confusion over directions
- difficulty following directions
- concrete thinker/trouble with abstract concepts
- asks things to be repeated constantly
Possible Cause #2-Academic limitations
When academic limitations may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- low academic achievement
- procrastinates
- brings home unfinished work
- poor computational math
- poor written spelling
- uses fingers to count
Possible Cause #3-Psychological interference
When psychological interference may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- short attention span-
- confusion over directions
- reticent behavior
- disorganized
- trouble getting started
- trouble handing in assignments
- makes excuses
- procrastinates
- brings home unfinished work
- squinting
- stubborn
Possible Cause #4-Social Issues
When intellectual limitations may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- stays alone during recess
- argumentative towards peers
- intrusive
- trouble following rules during games
- sarcastic towards peers
- fights with others
- tries anything to be liked
Possible Cause #5-Enviornmental Issues
When environmental issues may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- reticent behavior
- comes in tired all the time
- daydreams early in the day
- resistance to leaving school
- extreme fear of notes going home
- never talks about family
- comes in with bruises
- jumpy or overly anxious around adults
- comes in hungry
Possible Cause #6-Medical Issues
When medical issues may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- confusion over directions
- poor handwriting
- difficulty following directions
- disorganized
- poor written spelling
- difficulty in art
- difficulty in physical activities
Possible Cause #7-Language Issues
When language issues may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- confusion over directions
- trouble labeling things
- asks things to be repeated constantly
- uses wrong words
- confuses words in sentences
- hesitates when expressing ideas
Possible Cause #8-Perceptual Issues
When perceptual issues may be the cause of possible problems in learning the following symptoms may appear:
- awkward gait
- large and fine motor difficulties
- poor auditory memory
- confusion over directions
- poor handwriting
- difficulty following directions
- disorganized
- poor written spelling
- difficulty in art
- difficulty with small and large muscle control
- asks things to be repeated
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