8 Signs Your Child May Have Developmental Delays or a Learning Disability

8 Signs Your Child May Have Developmental Delays or a Learning Disability

The first thing to understand about a child with developmental delays or learning disabilities is that these problems have nothing to do with your child’s level of intelligence. In fact, some children who struggle with learning disabilities have above-average intelligence. It may be difficult to see past behavioral or emotional disorders to recognize this truth. Sadly, many children who do have developmental delays or learning disabilities are so affected because of negligence or medical malpractice during delivery. Developmental delay behavioral disorder in children is often caused by negligence by medical personnel during birth.

Signs of Developmental Delays or Learning Disabilities

If your child is deprived of oxygen during delivery, the results can be devastating. Areas of the brain can be damaged, and this can cause delays, disabilities in development, and conditions like cerebral palsy. When these problems emerge may vary, though the signs are often evident in the preschool years as a child is placed in a school setting, expected to perform, and compared to his or her peers.

Here are some signs that a learning disability or developmental delay could be present in children under the age of 5:

1. Attention problems. Difficulty listening and hyperactivity.
2. Speech problems. Delays in speech or difficulty pronouncing words or expressing him or herself.
3. Basic memorization. Trouble learning letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and days of the week.
4. Unable to focus or stay with a task, easily distracted.
5. Problems with following directions. A child cannot understand directions or is too distracted or unfocused to follow them.
6. Problems with motor skills. Difficulty grasping a crayon or pencil or trouble buttoning, tying, or zipping.
7. Cognitive problems. Difficulty with new words, learning to read, or understanding new concepts.
8. Behavioral issues. Impetuous behavior, inappropriate responses to social situations, difficulty adjusting to new situations or changes in the norm.

Do not be quick to tag your child as someone with a learning disability, and do not allow any educators to label them either without a proper medical diagnosis. Children learn and develop at their own rate, and just because someone takes a little longer to learn how to tie his shoes does not mean he is challenged in any way.

Some learning disabilities present as small difficulties that can be overcome or managed, while other disabilities signal a complete lack of independence in daily life. The latter may require special schooling or learning environments, and an inability to ever live alone or be employed.

Is Your Child’s Behavior the Result of a Birth Injury?

Some cognitive and learning disabilities, speech and language delays, and emotional and behavioral disorders are the result of a brain injury during birth. ADD and ADHD are two common that may result from brain trauma or loss of oxygen during birth. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong, incurable condition that varies in severity, but can lead from minor physical disabilities to cognitive disorders that prevent the ability to lead a normal, independent life.

If you suspect that your child’s learning disability or developmental delay could have been prevented with proper medical care during birth, contact Thurswell Law for your free consultation. Developmental delay behavioral disorder in children is often caused by negligence by medical personnel during birth. Malpractice and medical negligence can cause cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities, and you are entitled to compensation for your child’s suffering.