Information for Instructors

Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Problems

Difficulties associated with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders vary according to the individual. In addition, the degree of disability is directly related to the demands of the task. The most common problems relate to the development and use of academic skills (reading, math, written language and foreign language acquisition), processing speed, organization, study and time management skills and general language skills.

Specifically, the characteristics of students with these disorders might include:

Reading

• Poor phonetic decoding
  
• Weak comprehension
• Low retention of new information
  
• Slow reading speed
  

Math

• Number reversals
  
• Confusion of symbols
  
• Inaccurate copying
  
• Difficulty with word problems
  
• Difficulty organization and operating within a plan
  
• Poor concept of space and spatial relationships
  
• Poor memory for basic math facts
  

Written Language

• Poor spelling and style (punctuation, capitalization)
  
• Poor sentence structures
  
• Poor organization
  
• Inadequate link between thoughts
  
• Poor or slow copying
  
• Poor penmanship
  
• Poor proofing
  

Foreign Language

• Poor memory for sounds or new words
  
• Slow processing of words
  
• Inability to express self orally
  
• Poor spelling
  
• Weak oral comprehension
  

Processing Speed

• Slow intake of auditory information
  
• Slow and/or impoverished speech
  
• Slow writing skills
  
• Poor notetaking skills
  

Organization, Study and Time Management Skills

• Procrastination
  
• Lack of planning so that all tasks can be accomplished
  
• Forgetfulness
  
• Inadequate use of strategies for studying
  
• Short attention span and/or weak concentration
  
• Inadequate or incorrect written notes
  
• Difficulty following directions