Is It Time for a Learning Difficulties Assessment? 7 Signs Your Child May Need Support

July 4, 2025

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. When something doesn’t feel quite right at school — whether it’s falling grades, daily homework battles, or low confidence — it can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next.

At the Literacy and Learning Centre, we work with families every day who are asking:

“Is this typical?”
Is my just child lazy?
“Do they just need more practice?”
“Could it be dyslexia, ADHD, or something else?”

If you’ve been wondering whether your child needs a learning assessment, here are 7 common signs that it might be the right time to take that next step.

1. Reading or Writing Is Always a Struggle

Does your child avoid reading out loud? Do they guess at words, forget ones they knew yesterday, or find writing slow and painful?

🟡 These can be signs of a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or working memory issues.

2. You Know They’re Bright — But They’re Falling Behind

Some children have excellent verbal ideas but struggle to express them in writing. Others understand concepts when explained one-on-one, but freeze up on tests.

🟡 This mismatch may suggest language processing issues, expressive language disorder, or executive functioning challenges.

3. Homework Ends in Tears or Meltdowns

If schoolwork causes anxiety, avoidance, or emotional outbursts, there’s likely a deeper issue than “not trying hard enough.”

🟡 Frequent frustration may signal learning difficulties, anxiety, or problems with how your child processes information.

4. They’re Easily Distracted or Always on the Move

Constant fidgeting, forgetfulness, or zoning out in class might be more than just a behavioural issue.

🟡 These could be signs of ADHD or attention/executive functioning difficulties.

5. You’re Getting Vague Feedback from School

Are teachers telling you things like “They’ll catch up” or “They just need more practice” — but months later, nothing has changed?

🟡 When progress stalls, it’s time to seek more clarity. A comprehensive assessment can help identify the cause of ongoing difficulties.

6. You’re Carrying the Load

If you’re constantly reteaching schoolwork, chasing school meetings, and trying to piece everything together, it’s exhausting — and not sustainable.

🟡 An assessment can help take the pressure off by providing a clear picture of your child’s needs and how to support them effectively.

7. You Just Have That Gut Feeling

Parents often tell us, “I knew something wasn’t quite right.” If you’ve had that feeling for a while, it’s worth listening to it.

🟡 Early identification makes a big difference in helping your child build confidence, resilience, and the right skills for success.

What Will an Assessment Tell You?

At Literacy and Learning, we offer assessments that explore:

How your child learns
Strengths and areas for support
Whether a diagnosis (e.g. dyslexia or ADHD) is present
What interventions and school supports will help

You’ll receive a comprehensive report, clear explanations, and a practical plan to move forward.

Literacy and Learning Centre