Understanding learning challenges in children: When to consider professional support

Many parents become concerned when their child struggles with certain aspects of school. Difficulties with reading, writing, concentration, or homework can raise questions about whether a learner simply needs more time and support, or whether further professional guidance may be helpful.

It is important to remember that all children develop and learn at different rates.

Temporary academic challenges are common and may be related to developmental stages, teaching approaches, language differences, emotional factors, or changes in a child’s environment (Woolfolk, 2020).

Educational psychologists focus on understanding how children learn and develop within educational contexts and can assist families when concerns about learning or academic progress arise.

Important Professional Note

This article provides general educational information only. Observations described below do not indicate that a child has a learning disorder or psychological condition.

According to the professional standards of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, conclusions about learning difficulties or developmental conditions can only be made after a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment conducted by a qualified and registered professional.

If concerns about a child’s learning persist, consulting an educational psychologist can help provide a clearer understanding of the learner’s strengths and support needs.

When children experience ongoing learning challenges

Parents and teachers are often the first to notice when a learner finds certain academic tasks more challenging than expected. These observations may indicate that additional support or further evaluation could be beneficial.

Some areas where learners may experience challenges include:

• Reading development

• Written expression and spelling

• Maintaining attention during academic tasks

• Organising schoolwork and completing assignments

Such challenges can arise for many reasons and should always be considered within the broader context of the child’s development and learning environment (Santrock, 2021).

Reading development and literacy challenges

Reading is a complex skill that develops gradually during the early school years. Some learners may require more time or structured support to develop fluency and comprehension.

Parents or teachers may sometimes notice patterns such as:

• Difficulty recognising familiar words

• Slow or effortful reading

• Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words

• Avoidance of reading activities

• Challenges with spelling

In some cases, persistent reading difficulties may be associated with learning differences such as Dyslexia. Dyslexia is generally understood as a difference in how the brain processes written language, particularly affecting word recognition and spelling (Snowling & Hulme, 2021).

However, it is important to emphasise that similar behaviours can occur during normal literacy development, especially in younger learners or when children are learning in a second language.

Attention and Concentration in the Classroom

Another area where some learners experience difficulty is maintaining attention during academic activities.

Parents or educators might observe behaviours such as:

• Difficulty remaining focused on tasks

• Frequently misplacing school materials

• Forgetting instructions or homework

• Becoming easily distracted during lessons

• Difficulty completing tasks without reminders

Such behaviours can occur for many reasons, including fatigue, stress, developmental stage, or environmental distractions.

In some situations, ongoing patterns of inattention or impulsivity may be associated with conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD involves patterns of attention and self-regulation difficulties that affect daily functioning across multiple settings (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

However, only a qualified professional assessment can determine whether these behaviours are part of typical development or whether further support may be needed.

Challenges with reading, writing, or schoolwork

Some learners may experience ongoing challenges with specific academic skills, including:

• Reading comprehension

• Spelling and written expression

• Organising ideas in writing

• Mathematical reasoning

These difficulties may arise for a variety of reasons, including differences in learning styles, gaps in foundational skills, emotional stress, or language barriers (Santrock, 2021).

In South Africa, many learners receive instruction in a language that differs from their home language. Research suggests that language transitions can influence reading development and comprehension during the early years of schooling (Pretorius & Spaull, 2016).

For this reason, a comprehensive understanding of the learner’s educational context is essential before drawing conclusions about learning difficulties.

When parents may consider consulting an educational psychologist.

Parents may choose to seek professional guidance if:

• Academic struggles persist despite additional support

• Teachers express concerns about learning progress

• A child becomes increasingly frustrated or anxious about school

• Difficulties significantly affect confidence or classroom participation

• Parents would like a clearer understanding of how their child learns

Educational psychologists conduct psychoeducational assessments to evaluate cognitive functioning, academic skills, attention, memory, and emotional wellbeing. These assessments help identify both strengths and areas where support may be beneficial.

In South Africa, such assessments must be conducted by professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Supporting children’s learning and development

It is important for parents to remember that learning challenges do not define a child’s ability or future success.

With appropriate support, many learners develop strategies that allow them to manage academic demands effectively and build confidence in their abilities (Snowling & Hulme, 2021).

Educational psychologists aim to support learners by helping families and schools better understand how each child learns, enabling environments that promote both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.

2. Pretorius, E. J., & Spaull, N. (2016). Exploring relationships between oral reading fluency and reading comprehension among English second language learners in South Africa. Reading & Writing, 7(1), 1–9.

3. Santrock, J. W. (2021). Educational psychology (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

4. Snowling, M. J., & Hulme, C. (2021). The science of reading: A handbook. Blackwell.

5. Woolfolk, A. (2020). Educational psychology (14th ed.). Pearson.

6. Health Professions Council of South Africa. (2019). General ethical guidelines for health care professionals. Pretoria: HPCSA.