There is no one definitive trait that a child may have a learning disability, but there are signs you can look for if you suspect that something is not right. What you should look for depends on the age of your child and their grade level.
Some of the signs in a preschooler are a language delay or other communication delays. If they are having problems with their speech or problems understanding their teachers or other children there may be a learning disability. A lack of coordination or slow motor development may also be a sign. If you child has a hard time remembering their activities during the day or not understanding what is instructed you may want to have them evaluated. Another sign of a learning disability would be socialization delays. This includes their interaction with other kids and just general playing.
For elementary school kids you should look for a delay in learning sounds of letters, and problems with learning how to blend the different sounds together. You should also look for delays in spelling and in basic grammar skills. If your child has a hard time remembering basic facts or organizing their schoolwork there could be a problem.
A learning disability could also be shown in a lack of understanding instructions, and when they have a hard time expressing themselves. This could manifest itself in a behavioral problem so it is important to look below the surface to see if more is going on than what appears.
If you are seeing any of these signs you can contact your child’s school to have them evaluated for a learning disability.