Learning disabilities in school children: When should you seek professional help?

For many people, the Aamir Khan-Darsheel Safari movie 'Taare Zameen Par' was the first introduction to the realm of learning disabilities (LDs). The term 'dyslexia,' which the movie discussed, went a long way in making people think that maybe a child who has learning issues is suffering from some kind of learning disability. This is despite the fact that learning disabilities are generally common. According to Consultant Psychologist Dr Jaicy Philip, it is observed to varying degrees in children across different age groups. While some might struggle to learn the alphabet, others might be battling numbers or fine motor skills. When should a parent seek professional help for it? The doctor explains:

When to take help
If such disabilities persist for more than six months, then do not hesitate to seek professional help, the doctor says. Children with dyslexia might confuse b for d, while some children may find it extremely difficult to memorise multiplication tables. Do not think that these conditions will get better as they get older. Children might feel an inferiority complex or lack of confidence if these learning disabilities are not identified and addressed. It is because of learning disabilities that some children do not score well despite studying hard.

Major learning disabilities
These are some of the major learning disabilities:  
Dyslexia - Difficulty recognising letters, numbers and figures.                           
Dysgraphia - It affects a child's writing skills. They find it difficult to form letters and write neatly.            Dyscalculia - Difficulty understanding numbers and numerical theories.                       
Dyspraxia - It affects a person's ability to develop fine motor skills.   

Signs of learning disabilities
The general learning disabilities include difficulties in the following, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
a) Recognising numbers, letters, colours, and mathematical symbols
b) Improving vocabulary
c) Counting numbers
d) Sounding out words while reading
e) Rhyming
f) Following directions  
g) Staying on task
h) Storytelling in order
i) Handwriting legibly
j) Holding a pencil correctly