Symptoms

General

• Appears bright and articulate but unable to read, write or spell at the appropriate level
• Labelled lazy, immature or with a behavioural problem
• Disorderly or compulsive behaviour
• Poor self-esteem, easily frustrated
• Covers up weaknesses with ingenious strategies
• Daydreamer, poor sense of time and/or direction
• Limited attention span
• Learns best through experience, observation and visual aids

Reading

• Skips or misreads words and lines
• Poor comprehension
• Complains of dizziness, nausea, headaches or stomach aches while reading or studying

Hearing and speech

• Easily distracted
• Difficulty putting thoughts into words
• Misprononounces words or stammers

Writing and motor skills

• Trouble writing or copying, unusual pen grip, often presses too hard
• Handwriting varies or is illegible
• Clumsy, uncoordinated, poor at ball or team sports  

 

Maths and time management

• Difficulties remembering the times tables or other sequential information
• Knows answers but unable to work them out on paper
• Counting on fingers
• Difficulties with word problems
• Difficulties telling time and  lack of organisational skills