  Learning Problems
How common are learning problems in former preemies?
Learning deficits or learning disabilities at school age occur in about 10% of children born at term. They are more common in former preemies; the smaller and sicker the preemie, the greater the risk. Up to 45% of infants weighing <3 1/4 lbs. at birth have one or more abnormalities on testing at school age. It is usually not possible to predict at the time of discharge or during early development who might develop these problems. Sequential evaluation over time is the best predictor. Knowing what problems might develop can make you alert to signs of difficulty. Early diagnosis enables early evaluation and intervention. On the other hand, being overly concerned and always questioning your child's development may be detrimental in itself. Problems which are normal at a younger age may be abnormal at a later time. If you have a question about your child's development or performance, talk to your child's doctor or teacher or have your child tested.
What are the most common learning problems at school age?
Eye-Hand Coordination Problems
- difficulty with copying pictures or words, especially if there are many objects in the picture
- difficulty with puzzles
- difficulty learning handwriting
Language Problems
- difficulty following directions, especially if there is more than one step
- difficulty putting things in a logical order
- poor vocabulary for age
- difficulty learning to read
- not understanding the meaning of sentences
- inability to tell one sound from another
- avoiding classroom participation
- difficulty remembering words
Thinking Problems
- poor memory, difficulty memorizing words, tables; forgetting assignments
- difficulty with spacial relationships such as size, distance
- problems with sounds and their symbols
- difficulty with abstract thinking
- difficulty making decisions or making poor decisions
- poor common sense
- slow to grasp new concepts
Additional Resources
Learning Disabilities - Family Village
Language Disorders - Family Village
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