My Child is Acting Out at School. Could They Have a Learning Disability?

It’s possible! A child’s behaviour can be due to learning disabilities. Learning disabilities can impact a child’s ability to process and understand information, which can lead to frustration, anxiety, and difficulty in completing tasks. As a result, a child may exhibit challenging behaviours, such as acting out, being easily distracted, or avoiding academic work.

Not all children with learning disabilities will display behavioural issues. However, when a child is struggling academically, it can affect their self-esteem and confidence, which may lead to negative behaviours.

When behaviours are evident in more than one place this can be related to ADHD (Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s executive functions, which are responsible for regulating behaviour, attention, and self-control, and are not limited to one environment.

Those with ADHD may exhibit a range of behavioural symptoms, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, and excessive talking. Impulsivity can result in hasty decision-making, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting one’s turn. Inattention can lead to forgetfulness, disorganization, and trouble with completing tasks. Again, it’s important to note that not all individuals with ADHD will display the same behavioural symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can also vary depending on the individual and the situation. 

It’s not uncommon for a child to have both learning disabilities and ADHD. In fact, research suggests that as many as 50% of children with ADHD also have a learning disability.

If you suspect that your child may have a learning disability or is experiencing possible ADHD symptoms, it’s important to have them evaluated by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or a licensed clinician. Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate interventions and accommodations can be put in place to support the child’s academic and behavioural needs.  A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help manage the symptoms and improve overall functioning at home and school.

Please click the Contact Us link for more information on how to go about booking a psycho-educational assessment for your child. You can read more about assessments here.