Specific Developmental Disorders and Possible Symptoms

An Inability to Process Information Rapidly

Why can't they keep up with the rest of the class? Why are they so hesitant to participate in class?

A Lifetime of Frustration, Anxiety, and Tension  

Why do they seem either rebellious, defensive, indifferent, or defeated?  When I ask them a question, why don't they quickly respond and look me in the eye?  

A Hesitancy to Take Risks  

Why do they write about boring topics?  Can't they take a risk and choose something exciting?  

A Connection between Physical Ailments and Learning Disabilities

Why do they lay their heads on their desks or rub their foreheads?  Are they sick?  

Poor Executive Reasoning (i.e., Organizational Skills)  

Why do they seem so disorganized?  Why are they late for class so often?  Or why do they miss class so often? 

Unique Perception/Reasoning 

Why can't they understand what I want? Why are their inferences so far fetched?  Can't they make logical connections?  

Poor Visual-Motor Coordination  

Why is their handwriting and spelling so horrible?  

Poor Auditory Perception 

Why don't they take notes?  Don't they think what I have to say is important?  When I carefully explain an assignment, why can't they just do what I've asked?

Poor Visual Perception

When I've given a clear explanation & example on a handout, why can't they understand what I want? Why can't they remember what's due when?  They have a course calendar don't they?  Can't they read it?  

Poor Reading Comprehension

Why can't they understand the reading assignment?

An Inability to Retrieve Stored Linguistic Information Quickly

Why do they seem so slow to respond? Why do they speak in halting even jumbled phrases at times?