It is undeniable that some of us learn even more differently than others, and this can cause problems in individual areas. Specific Learning Difficulties are all different, however there are some things which appear to affect most people across all SpLDs. For example - 

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• You have always had difficulty with one or more individual areas of learning e.g. spelling or maths or motor skills, although generally you cope with other areas of learning. 

 

• You have tried different ways of overcoming this and although you may have made some progress, the area still doesn’t ‘come naturally’.

 

• You have had difficulty in this area for a long time.

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• You have no other conditions which might explain the problem e.g. eye or hearing difficulties.

 

 

You may also find that:

 

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• You tend to avoid doing things which involve your ‘problem area’..

 

• You may use alternative ways of doing tasks e.g. using a voice-recorder on your phone, drawing diagrams, using calculators.

 

• Concentrating and remembering information can be difficult, and can sometimes make you feel very tired.

 

• You need extra time to take in information and may find that repeating it to yourself helps.

 

• One or other of your parents, or another immediate relative has had similar difficulties.

 

• You might feel embarrassed by your difficulty or worry that others will think you are stupid.      

                                    

• Personal organization can be a challenge – and sometimes timekeeping is problematic.

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If you decide upon a full diagnostic assessment, this may suggest you have a specific learning difficulty or may confirm that you don't. Sometimes, you might be advised to seek further assessment with another professional who is a specialist in the area concerned e.g. a Speech and Language Therapist or an Occupational Therapist. Whatever the outcome, your assessment will identify areas of personal strength as well as specific areas of difficulty. Understanding how you learn best means you will receive practical recommendations which will be personalised to your own requirements and which you are welcome to share wih others should you wish.