What are Specific Learning Difficulties?
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) are a group of learning differences which affect the way some people learn and process information. SpLDs affect only certain areas of learning.
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People with SpLDs usually behave no differently from other people in their everyday lives. However, specific learning difficulties can have a significant effect on areas of literacy, numeracy, memory and co-ordination. They are part of the unique way in which an individual learns, and are usually lifelong. People with SpLDs may have average or above average intellegence, and like the rest of have personal talents, strengths and abilities. These are different for everybody. Unfortunately, everyday life places constant demands on people with SpLDs, meaning that they can become tired, frustrated and even unhappy. However, given understanding of their individual way of learning, many people with SpLDs adjust to their learning differences and become successful in their own areas of strength.
To read more about specific learning difficulties, click here:
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/educator/what-are-specific-learning-difficulties
SpLDs include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD. Dysgraphia is also sometimes thought of as an SpLD.
Dyslexia
Affects reading and spelling. Dyslexic people struggle to learn to read and spell, despite conventional teaching. Nobody knows what causes dyslexia. We do know that dyslexic people appear to have greater difficulty in processing and recalling the sounds heard in words than others and appear to have poor verbal memory compared to their skills in other areas. Very often this isn't at all noticeable in spoken language - but can cause real difficulties with the written word.
Many dyslexics can develop some literacy skills, but this requires great determination and effort and the skills learned can easily be forgotten. Dyslexic people can be great at using other ways of communicating, and are often very innovative in finding alternatives to the written word.
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Identification is through a detailed assessment carried out by a Specialist Assessor holding an Assessment Practising Certificate, or by an Educational Psychologist.
For a full definition of dyslexia, see here:
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexic/definitions
Dyspraxia
Also known as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). Affects gross and fine motor co-ordination, and can impact on areas such as spatial judgement and speech articulation (verbal dyspraxia). People with DCD may also experience some non-motor difficulties in areas such as memory, perception and processing.
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Identification is through medical diagnosis with assessment by an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist, Seek initial advice/referral from a GP.
Cognitive assessment by an educational psychologist or specialist teacher may identify weaknesses in working memory and/or speed of processing. Difficulties in motor skills may also be observed during an assessment, and further investigation may be recommended.
Dysgraphia
Affects the development of fluent, legible writing by hand. Although it often occurs with dyspraxia this is not always the case. There is not currently a set of processing difficulties which seems to consistently underlie poor handwriting, so it is argued by many including the National Handwriting Association that dysgraphia cannot be diagnosed as a true SpLD in its own right. The Dyspraxia Foundation advises the use of the term 'Handwriting Difficulties'. These views are reflected in current guidance on SpLDs.
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Identification in the UK of handwriting difficulties is through an Educational/Clinical Psychologist, or an SpLD specialist assessor. This would investigate and state whether the difficulty appears to link to motor skills, perception, or understanding of our system of writing/spelling.
Dyscalculia
Affects a person's ability to carry out mathematical tasks, especially arithmetic. For many dyslexic people, difficulty in working with the written word will also affect their ability to work with written mathematical problems and symbols. Dyscalculia can exist in people alongside dyslexia or in those who have good reading and spelling. Dyscalculic people find it difficult to instinctively work with numbers, or to understand the reasoning behind mathematical methods, Their ability with arithmetical tasks is considerably below the level of their skills in other areas. Dyscalculic people often experience high anxiety levels around maths.
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Identification is through initial screening followed by a detailed assessment carried out by a Speciallist Assessor holding an Assessment Practising certificate, or by an Educational Psychologist.
ADHD/ADD
Affects the ability to maintain attention and focus. People with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are restless, highly active, and behave impulsively. People with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are not hyperactive, but find it very difficult to pay attention and to focus. Both conditions affect a person's ability to take in and remember enough information to learn effectively. Many people with ADHD/ADD have more than one SpLD.
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Identification is via a medical route, and a GP should be seen in the first instance. A Specialist Assessor or Educational Psychologist assessing for other SpLDs may note behaviours which suggest ADHD/ADD, and a recommendation for onward referral may be made.
The language difficulty formerly known as Specific Language Impairment has previously been considered an SpLD by some,. However, the features of SLI are now considered to fall within a broad spectrum of language and communication difficulties known as Developmental Language Disorder. You are advised to contact a GP or the learning support in your college/school for guidance regarding referral procedures in your locality.