What are Some Signs of learning Disabilities?

Introduction info:

Some students come to Davidson with a diagnosed learning disability that is disclosed during the admission process or upon admission. Other students because of there above average to very superior intelligence do not discover that they have a learning disability until faced with the demands of a college curriculum. They find that their previous methods of coping and relying on their intelligence are no longer effective. These students do not seem to be working up to their potential in class. Usually their learning disability only affects one or two very specific areas of academics. Some common characteristics of a college student with a learning disability are:

Reading Problems

*Slow reading rate

*Poor comprehension and retention

*Difficulty identifying important points and themes

*Confusion of similar words, difficulty integrating new vocabulary

Written Language Problems

*Difficulty with sentence structure and grammar

*Frequent spelling errors

*Inability to copy from board or book

*Slow writer / poor penmanship

Oral Language Problems

*Difficulty comprehending and concentrating on oral language

*Difficulty with oral expression

*Difficulty with oral sequencing

*Large gap between written and oral expression skills

Math Comprehension Problems

*Incomplete mastery of basics

*Reverse numbers frequently

*Confuse operation symbols

*Difficulty recalling sequence of operational process

Attention Problems

*Inability to focus and stay on tasks without distraction for more that 10-15 minutes

*Difficulty listening and taking notes

*Difficulty completing reading and writing assignments and reviews

*Difficultly with organizational skills

*Self-reports spending inordinate amounts of time on assignments and studying

Important Note

Not every student with learning disability will have all of these characteristics Learning disabilities tend to be specifying to one or two academic area. Also, remember that these students are at Davidson because of their proven ability to use their intelligence, resources, perseverance and creativity to excel and pursue their educational goals despite these challenges.

Contact Information

Students Exhibiting some of these characteristics should be referred to:

Dean of students Office – 892-2225

Association Dean

Student Counseling Center – 892-2451

Learning Disabilities Counselor