Important to Know
Seeing one or two of these signs does not necessarily mean your child has a learning disorder.

However, if you notice:

• Multiple signs
• Ongoing difficulties over time
• Increasing frustration or avoidance

…it may be helpful to seek further support or advice.

Learn More About Specific Learning Disorder Support

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Early Years (Ages 4–6)

​Reading & Language

• Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
• Trouble recognising rhyming words
• Difficulty following simple instructions
• Limited vocabulary compared to peers

Writing & Fine Motor

• Difficulty holding a pencil
• Avoids drawing or early writing
• Struggles to copy shapes or letters

Maths & Thinking

• Difficulty counting
• Trouble recognising numbers
• Difficulty understanding basic concepts like “more” or “less”

Behaviour & Emotional Signs

• Frustration with learning tasks
• Avoidance of activities involving letters or numbers
• Short attention span for structured tasks

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Primary School (Ages 6–8)

​Reading

• Struggles to sound out words
• Slow or effortful reading
• Difficulty remembering common words
• Avoids reading tasks

Writing

• Messy or inconsistent handwriting
• Difficulty spelling simple words
• Struggles to write sentences

Maths

• Difficulty learning basic maths facts
• Trouble understanding simple problem-solving
• Confusion with numbers

Behaviour & Emotional Signs

• Avoidance of homework
• Frustration or emotional reactions
• Reduced confidence in schoolwork

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Primary School (Ages 8–12)

Reading

• Ongoing difficulty with fluency
• Difficulty understanding what they read
• Avoids reading independently

Writing

• Difficulty organising ideas into writing
• Struggles with grammar and sentence structure
• Writing tasks take a long time

Maths

• Difficulty with multi-step problems
• Trouble understanding concepts (e.g. fractions, time)
• Struggles with problem-solving

Behaviour & Emotional Signs

• Increased frustration or anxiety about school
• Avoidance or refusal of schoolwork
• Low confidence or negative self-talk

Why Is My Child Struggling to Read?

Why Is My Child Struggling With Writing?

Why Is My Child Struggling With Maths?

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Is It a Learning Difficulty or Something Else?

Learning challenges can sometimes overlap with other areas, such as:

• Attention and concentration difficulties
• Emotional factors (e.g. anxiety)
• Gaps in learning or missed foundational skills

​A comprehensive understanding helps guide the most appropriate support.

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What To Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Discuss progress and concerns
• Ask about classroom observations

2. Track Patterns Over Time

• Are difficulties consistent?
• Do they occur across different settings?

3. Support at Home

• Keep learning positive and low-pressure
• Focus on small, achievable steps

4. Consider Professional Support
Allied health professionals can help identify underlying challenges and provide strategies.

5. Consider an Assessment
An assessment can:

• Identify strengths and challenges
• Clarify whether a learning disorder may be present
• Guide targeted support

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Support Children with Learning Difficulties

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Handwriting and fine motor skills
• Visual motor integration
• Organisation and school participation

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Reading and literacy development
• Language comprehension
• Expressive communication

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
• Diagnostic clarification
• Reports for schools and supports

Counselling Support

• Supporting confidence and emotional wellbeing
• Managing frustration and school-related stress

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding avoidance behaviours
• Supporting engagement in learning
• Strategies for home and school

​
Telehealth Across WA

• Flexible support options
  
• Access services regardless of location
  

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Learning Difficulties Checklist

• Tick boxes by age group
• Clear “What to do next” section

Learning Difficulties Checklist

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When to Seek Support

​It may be helpful to seek support if:

• You notice multiple signs across areas
• Difficulties are ongoing
• Your child is becoming frustrated or losing confidence

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Not Sure?
​
If you’re unsure whether your child’s learning challenges are typical or something more, we can help guide you through the next steps.

Contact us to get started
Ask about assessments or therapy options
Access support 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

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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

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