Learning Difficulty/Difference Checklist
As you read through the following list of characteristics, keep in mind that everyone experiences some of the characteristics some of the time. In thinking about a person that may have a learning difference or dyslexia, look through this list and check the ones that occur often or most of the time.
What Should I Look For?
Cognitive
___ Poor memory (difficulty remembering what was heard, seen, or read)
___ Difficulty in organizing ideas and information
Language
___ Difficulty retrieving the appropriate word
___ Limited range of vocabulary
Perceptual Motor
___ Reversals of letters and numbers
___ Difficulties hearing differences between similar sounding words
___ Difficulties reading a map
Written Language
___ Trouble getting ideas on paper
___ Many errors in using grammar
Reading
___ Difficulty sounding words out
___ Slower reading rate than others
___ Difficulties understanding what is read
Spelling
___ Reversing words like “saw” for “was”
___ Leaving out letters when you spell
___ Avoiding writing words that are difficult to spell
Handwriting
___ Laborious effort and time to complete written work
___ Illegible handwriting
___ Difficulties copying from the board or overhead
Mathematics
___ Poor adding, subtracting, multiplication, and/or division skills
___ Inability to memorize the multiplication tables.
___ Difficulties understanding word problems
___ Difficulties remembering the sequence and steps to a math problem
Work and Study Habits
___ Poor time management skills
___ Does not complete homework in an organized fashion
___ Has difficulty staying on task
___ Difficulties starting tasks
___ Excessive test anxiety
Social Skills
___ Difficulties expressing what you felt or thought
___ Trouble understanding humor and sarcasm
___ Does not comprehend small talk
___ Difficulties reading body language and facial expression (i.e. struggles with social cues)
___ Difficulties working with others
Self-Awareness
___ Low sense of self worth
___ Low self-confidence
___ Overly sensitive to criticism
___ Frustrated easily
___ Impulsive when responding to others
What distinguishes a learning disability from a learning difficulty or difference is that a disability substantially interferes with a person’s ability to function in school, work or life. Therefore, testing to discover the cause of the learning difficulty may provide additional support or accommodations if a disability is found.
For more information on characteristics of learning disabilities, please call LDA Minnesota at 952-582-6000 or email.