Development
- Is there any family history of learning disorders – a dyslexic or dyspraxic parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt?
- In the first 8-10 years, was the child troubled by frequent ear, nose and throat problems, colds, sinus infections or bronchitis?
- continue to suck a finger or thumb until age 5 or over?
- have difficulty in learning to button clothes or tie shoelaces?
- complain about pains in the legs or have a tendency to walk on tiptoe?
- wet the bed at 5 years or over?
Did your child
- Around the ages of 12-13 were there any complaints of eye discomfort after prolonged reading or study?
- Does the child have a disturbed sense of spatial orientation or have trouble telling left from right?
- Have there been any problems with speech?
- Are there subtle speech problems that only show up when the child is tired?
- Does the child mix up words and have to concentrate on what to say?
Schooling and behaviour
Did/does your child
- Experience any difficulties learning to read?
- Have difficulty learning to write, or prefer printed to cursive script?
- Do well when first learning to read but later begin to avoid reading?
- Do well initially at writing but develop poorly? Avoid tasks that involve writing?
- Have difficulty learning to tell the time and read the clock?
- Have difficulty in catching a ball and with ball sports?
- Have a short attention span, have trouble concentrating or need frequent breaks from schoolwork or homework?
- Have difficulty telling left from right when following/giving directions?
- Have difficulty following a set of several instructions?
- Find bright light disturbing?
- Find noise difficult to tolerate?
- React dramatically to sudden loud noises?
- Get confused in a group situation (eg when friends are talking at the same time), causing stress and anxiety?
- Fidget with hands/feet or squirm in their seat?
- Seem not to listen to what you say?
- Often lose things at home or at school?
- Have difficulty completing tasks or following up on instructions?
- Frequently interrupt or butt into other children’s games
