Specific Learning Difficulties


There are numerous specific learning difficulties that have been identified over the years but they are not always easy to spot. It may not be obvious to parents and teachers that a child has a specific problem, especially if their development has appeared quite normal in the early years. Often, the child will appear to understand, have good ideas and join in activities in the same way as most children and in some instances better than others. Sometimes it can take years for adults to realise that a child has a specific difficulty.

Learning difficulties are not indicative of low intelligence. It is not unusual for some people with learning difficulties to have average or above-average intelligence. The causes of learning difficulties vary but may include a deficit in the brain that affects the processing of information.

Specific learning difficulties can make lessons hard for some child to understand. They will have trouble keeping up with class mates and may come to see themselves as 'stupid' or 'no good'. They find it hard to concentrate on lessons and because they cannot follow them properly, they find lessons 'boring'.

Doing badly in school can undermine self-confidence. This can make it harder for the child to get along with other children and to keep friends.They may become the 'clown of the class' because they see it as better than being ‘stupid’. Children with specific reading difficulties often become angry and frustrated, so behavioural problems are common.

The term specific learning difficulties is used to cover a wide variety of difficulties. Many people have heard of dyslexia (a difficulty with words) but it is now generally accepted that dyslexia is only one of a group of difficulties that may include:
  • dysgraphia - writing difficulty
  • dyscalculia - a difficulty performing mathematical calculation
  • dyspraxia - coordination difficulties 
  • autism / asperger's  syndrome - social communication difficulties / problems with emotional behaviour 
  • attention deficit disorder / attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADD / ADHD) - concentration difficulties, often with heightened activity levels and impulsiveness
These learning difficulties typically affect a child’s motor skills, information processing and memory. Children with Specific Learning Difficulty need to be understood and should be seen as having individual needs. Such children, with the correct teaching, can achieve their fullest potential.


The following pages look in detail at particular aspects of Special Educational Needs:

Important for all Special Educational Needs
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