Parisa Arjmandi, a psychologist, has examined the signs of learning difficulties in children and emphasizes that parents should pay special attention to these signs. Learning difficulties mean the emergence of persistent problems that are more than expected in one or more educational skills, appropriate to the child's age and educational level. These challenges can involve various areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, comprehension, memory, and concentration.
Signs of Learning Difficulties in Children
According to Arjmandi, there are multiple signs to identify learning difficulties. These signs include very slow learning of new material, frequent forgetting of previously learned information, difficulty in basic skills (reading and writing), consistent errors in calculations, and spending a very long time on assignments. Additionally, avoidance of academic activities and a constant need for adult assistance can also be other signs. It is important to note that observing one or more of these signs alone does not mean there is a learning disorder, and a final diagnosis requires specialized examination.
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When to Take Learning Problems Seriously
Arjmandi further stated that parents should pay attention to when their child shows academic decline or learning problems. She emphasized that if the problem persists, is seen in multiple situations, or creates a noticeable change compared to the child's previous performance, it is better to investigate the matter. For example, if a child previously performed well but suddenly declines or does not progress in a specific skill despite appropriate practice and support, this issue should be taken seriously. Parents should investigate the cause instead of labeling it as "laziness."
Determining whether a child is truly "lazy" or struggling with deeper challenges is not always possible through simple observation. However, Arjmandi pointed out clues that help parents distinguish between lack of motivation, concentration difficulties, and learning disorders. Lack of motivation typically manifests when a child shows no interest in a specific subject but performs completely differently and positively in activities they enjoy. In contrast, the main issue with concentration difficulties is maintaining attention; in this situation, the child may start a task well but quickly becomes distracted.
Learning Disorders and Contributing Factors
Learning disorders are different from the two previous cases and manifest as a specific and persistent problem in a particular skill such as reading, writing, or mathematics. This problem remains even when the child has received appropriate training. Therefore, to reach a correct understanding, it is always better to ask ourselves what has caused this child to be unable or unwilling to perform this task?
Arjmandi also mentioned potential signs of learning disorders. These disorders can manifest in various ways. In the area of reading, disorders often accompany issues such as slow reading, difficulty in recognizing or blending sounds, omitting or transposing letters, and challenges in understanding the content of the text. In writing, signs such as persistent spelling errors, difficulty in writing fluently, and problems in organizing written work exist. In mathematics, a child may struggle with concepts like understanding the concept of numbers, performing basic calculations, or learning multiplication tables.
Finally, Arjmandi pointed out that learning is not solely dependent on intelligence, and factors such as insufficient sleep, anxiety and stress, attention problems, vision or hearing issues, inappropriate teaching methods, and family pressure can affect academic performance. She reminded that a child who is constantly worried about making mistakes spends part of their mental capacity worrying and controlling fear, which in turn affects their attention and working memory.
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