Important to Know

This checklist is not a diagnostic tool.

Seeing a few signs does not necessarily mean your child has a learning disorder.
However, if you notice:

• Multiple signs
• Ongoing difficulties
• Increasing frustration or avoidance

…it may be helpful to explore support further.

---

Early Years (Ages 4–6)

Reading & Language
☐ Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
☐ Trouble recognising rhyming words
☐ Difficulty following simple instructions
☐ Delays in early speech or language

Writing & Fine Motor
☐ Difficulty holding a pencil or crayon
☐ Avoids drawing or early writing tasks
☐ Struggles to copy shapes or letters

Maths & Thinking
☐ Difficulty counting
☐ Trouble recognising numbers
☐ Difficulty understanding “more” or “less”

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
☐ Becomes frustrated with learning activities
☐ Avoids tasks involving letters or numbers
☐ Finds it hard to stay engaged in structured tasks

---

Primary School (Ages 6–8)

Reading
☐ Struggles to sound out words
☐ Reads slowly or guesses words
☐ Difficulty remembering common words
☐ Avoids reading tasks

Writing
☐ Messy or hard-to-read handwriting
☐ Difficulty forming letters
☐ Struggles with spelling
☐ Avoids writing tasks

Maths
☐ Difficulty learning basic maths facts
☐ Trouble understanding simple problems
☐ Confusion with numbers

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
☐ Avoids homework or school tasks
☐ Becomes frustrated or overwhelmed
☐ Reduced confidence in learning

---

Primary School (Ages 8–12)

Reading
☐ Ongoing difficulty with reading fluency
☐ Difficulty understanding what is read
☐ Avoids reading independently

Writing
☐ Difficulty organising ideas into writing
☐ Writing takes a long time
☐ Ongoing spelling and grammar difficulties

Maths
☐ Difficulty with multi-step problems
☐ Trouble understanding concepts (e.g. time, money, fractions)
☐ Avoids maths tasks

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
☐ Increased frustration or anxiety about school
☐ Avoidance of schoolwork
☐ Negative self-talk (e.g. “I’m not good at this”)

---

What Do Your Answers Mean?

✅ If you ticked only a few boxes

• Your child may simply need more time or support
• You can continue to monitor progress
• Try small, supportive strategies at home

⚠️ If you ticked several boxes in one area

• This may indicate a specific learning difficulty (e.g. reading, writing, or maths)
• It may be helpful to explore targeted support

🔴 If you ticked many boxes across multiple areas

• This may suggest broader learning challenges
• A more comprehensive assessment may be helpful

---

What To Do Next (Step-by-Step)

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Share what you’ve noticed
• Ask about classroom observations
• Understand how your child compares with peers

2. Monitor Patterns Over Time

• Are the same challenges continuing?
• Are they improving, staying the same, or increasing?

3. Start Support Early

• You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis
• Early strategies can make a meaningful difference

4. Consider Professional Support
Allied health professionals can help:

• Identify underlying challenges
• Provide practical strategies
• Support your child’s confidence and participation

5. Consider an Assessment
​An assessment can:

• Clarify strengths and difficulties
• Identify learning disorders (if present)
• Guide school and home support

---

How We Support Children with Learning Difficulties

• Occupational Therapy (OT): handwriting, organisation, task engagement
• Speech Pathology (SP): reading, literacy, language
• Psychology Assessments: cognitive and academic assessment
• Counselling: confidence, emotional wellbeing
  
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): engagement, routines, behaviour support

---

Not Sure What To Do Next?
​
If this checklist reflects what you’ve been noticing, you’re not alone — and support is available.
Contact us to discuss your concerns
Ask about assessments or therapy options
Access services across Perth, Mandurah, and WA
​
​Book a free 20-minute call with our team

Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

​Your Support​ Matters
If you find these resources helpful, please support us in creating more valuable content by leaving a review on Facebook and Google.
Your feedback helps us continue to provide support and information that benefits our community.
​Stay updated with our latest resources and tips by liking us on Facebook!

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​