CHECKLIST-LEARNING DIFFICULTY/DIFFERENCES

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

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.

Reference:Learning Disabilities association, Minnesota .