Typical characteristics of students with learning disabilities are listed below. Of course no student faces all of these challenges.

Reading

• Confusion of similar words, difficulty using phonics, problems reading multisyllable 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 attending to spoken language, inconsistent concentration.
• 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 copying problems, aligning columns.
• 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.