It is sometimes challenging to detect learning difficulties in very young children.

I would trust your observations and judgment. It is possible that her inattention is the result of her learning, motor, (and probably language) disabilities.

Dear Holly,

Many students with executive function disorder also have learning disabilities related to this disorder. Such disabilities might include a “reading fluency” or a “writing fluency” problem.

You are correct that formal testing would be the only way to clarify if your older daughter has a disability.

Dear Donna:

A non-verbal learning disability can be part of a larger picture of learning disabilities or can be part of other psychiatric disorders.

Most school systems will not evaluate a child until the end of third grade. However, if you are concerned, and especially if there is a family history of LD, you should push for an assessment.

I understand your concerns. You describe several difficulties that might suggest that your son might have a learning or language disability.

Your daughter has real problems and needs help now. Your history only reinforces this fact.