Although many of the following conditions are often true of those without learning difficulties, a pronounced difficulty in one or more of these areas may indicate that a physician should diagnose the problem.
Symptoms in preschoolers
By age 1, the child cannot do one or more of the following:
say “Mama”
play peek-a-boo
wave bye-bye
respond to his name
sit up on his own
By age 2, he does not:
say the names of a few toys
imitate parents
seem capable of identifying eyes, ears, nose and mouth
walk unaided By age 3, he does not:
repeat simple rhymes
enjoy playing alone with toys
understand simple stories
navigate stairs
By age 4, he does not:
talk in short sentences
enjoy playing with other children
give correct answers to simple questions
balance on one foot By age 5, he is not:
understood outside the family
sharing or taking turns
understanding the words “yesterday,” “today” and “tomorrow”
capable of throwing overhand
catching a ballSymptoms in youngsters and adults
He has difficulty understanding spoken directions.
He has trouble pronouncing a word until someone says it for him.
He tries to treat people well, but often says something inappropriate.
He has difficulty following written instructions.
In writing, he leaves out or reverses words or letters.
He knows his way around town until a street is torn up or a building is removed.
He usually mismatches clothes.
He is disorganized and can’t find belongings.
He reads and writes well, but can’t balance a checkbook.
