Working with children and adults that learn differently tends to have me view common, everyday situations from a slightly different vantage point. It is integral to my success with students that I cultivate a strong understanding of how they learn, so I work tirelessly to see the world through their eyes. While I can never fully step into their shoes, I am often able to experience the world through their senses, such as when we engage in discussion about their learning challenges, or I observe as they try to solve a word problem.

I am able to relate to the sense of discomfort and embarrassment my middle school student feels as he opens his binder to look for his homework and a month’s worth of papers go tumbling to the floor. As my first grade student struggles to decode words she’s seen many times before, I empathize with her struggle as she looks at me with fear in her eyes. This is the beauty and the pain of working as an educator of students who think differently. Their minds and bodies work in wonderful, creative ways that don’t always mesh so well with the demands of school. My work with these students affords me the opportunity to guide and shape their educational experience, while also helping to educate the world about their challenges.

I came across an article that lists eight real life situations that I believe can make or break students educational and professional careers. These common difficulties, such as trouble staying motivated, forgetfulness and hyperactivity, are often misread as a lack of care or ability when they are actually a symptom of ADHD. The combination of low self-esteem and frustration that results from this mistake by teachers, parents and administrators can be debilitating for many elementary schoolers. As these same children grow into adolescence and move to middle and high school, the potent blend can cause students to drop out of school.

As an educator, it is my mission to help others understand some of the tell-tale signs that the students you’re working with are struggling with a learning disability. With a little insight and empathy, it might be within your ability to change the trajectory of their life experience. It’s definitely worth a try.

Click here to read the full article and let me know if you agree with these signs in the comments below!