What are the warning signs of a learning disability and who should you contact if you suspect your child is struggling? Child psychologist David Coleman joined Sean O'Rourke to discuss.
Are you worried your child is falling behind in class? Any number of learning difficulties could be harming your child's progress in the classroom ranging from traditional learning difficulties to dyslexia or the more serious dyspraxia, which can affect a child's fine motor skills.
"Children with DCD often have organisational difficulties as well which means they might struggle with things like having the right copy out at the right time, organising their books, making sure they're taking their homework down correctly."
Behavioural disorders can range from autistic spectrum disorders to social and emotional behavioural difficulties to ADHD. Lately, a lot of attention has been given to ADHD which can affect a child's attention and concentration.
"They may stuggle to focus and to be able to apply themselves to their work in class. They may be giddy, they may be distractable and they may be distracting other children."
So at what stage should teachers or parents step in to take a closer look at a child's behaviour or learning difficulties? David says that both parents and teachers need to work together to spot the signs.
"The earlier you find out about a difficulty a child has, the sooner you can offer some kind of intervention and make a big difference to their education."
Listen to the full interview here, where David Coleman explains to Sean O'Rourke's Radio 1 audience the warning signs for learning disabilities:
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