-Often it is difficult for teachers to determine if an EAL learner has a learning difficulty.

*The main reason is that it is difficult to test--any testing of learning disabilities should be done in the first language of the learner, and often this is not possible.

-An important first step is to ask the parents of the EAL some questions such as:

1. Did the child go to school in the native country and did teachers notice any problems or difficulties?

2. At what age did the child start to speak in L1 (the first language)?

3. Do you read to your child in your first language?

4. Are you teaching your child how to write in the first language?

5. In which language does your child express wants, needs, and feelings best?

6. How well does your child understand first language speakers?

Learning a second language is a complicated process and sometimes some of the behaviours EALs exhibit are close to those exhibited by children with ADD. The following chart shows somekey differences: p. 20

What's 'Normal,' What's Not: Acquiring English as a Second Language