Disability Services
Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities
Typical characteristics of students with LD are listed below. These characteristics, taken independently or in combination do not necessarily indicate a learning disability.
Reading
- Confusion of similar words, difficulty using phonics, problems reading multi-syllable words.
- Slow reading rate and/or difficulty adjusting speed to the nature of the reading task.
- Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material that is read, but not with material presented orally.
Writing
- Difficulty with sentence structure, poor grammar, omitted words.
- Frequent spelling errors, inconsistent spelling, letter reversals.
- Difficulty copying from board or overhead.
- Poorly formed letters, difficulty with spacing, capitals, and punctuation.
Oral Language
- Difficulty memorizing basic facts.
- Difficulty expressing ideas orally which the student seems to understand.
- Problems describing events or stories in proper sequence.
- Residual problems with grammar, difficulty with inflectional or derivational endings.
Math
- Difficulty memorizing basic facts.
- Confusion or reversal of numbers, number sequence, or operational symbols.
- Difficulty reading or comprehending word problems.
- Problems with reasoning and abstract concepts.
Study Skills
- Poor organization and time management.
- Difficulty following directions.
- Poor organization of notes and other written materials.
- Need more time to complete assignments.
Social Skills
- Difficulty "reading" facial expressions, body language.
- Problems interpreting subtle messages such as sarcasm.
- Confusion in spatial orientation, getting lost easily, difficulty following directions.
- Disorientation in time, difficulty telling time.
From: College Students with Learning Disabilities, by Carol Wren, 1985
