Unlocking Potential: Understanding the 7 Specific Learning Difficulties

A specific learning difficulty (SpLD)

Learning difficulties are challenges that individuals may face in acquiring and applying knowledge and skills in specific areas of learning. These difficulties can affect various aspects of learning, such as reading, writing, mathematics, or language comprehension.

Unlocking Potential: Understanding the 7 Specific Learning Difficulties

It must be understood that the severity of difficulties can vary and may be affected by cognitive abilities, environmental factors, or teaching methods. To address these difficulties, targeted interventions and educational supports tailored to the individual's needs are often used.

The difference between Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD) and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

There is a difference between specific learning difficulties and specific learning disorders, specifically in how they are defined and diagnosed. A learning difficulty is a condition that can make it challenging to learn in a specific way, but it doesn't have any impact on an individual's overall intelligence quotient (IQ).

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in acquiring and using academic skills. It includes dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. A diagnosis of SLD requires meeting specific criteria in the DSM-5 and ruling out other possible factors.
In summary, learning difficulties can refer to a range of challenges, while a specific learning disorder indicates a significant, persistent difficulty in one or more academic areas. These disorders are diagnosed by qualified professionals based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's cognitive and academic abilities.

7 main types of learning Difficulties

As a teacher, I am frequently asked about the seven distinct kinds of learning disabilities. It's crucial to give parents a comprehensive comprehension of these challenges to enable their children to learn and develop without pressure or worry. These disabilities are:

1. Dyslexia is a reading disorder characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, decoding, and spelling.
2. Dysgraphia is a writing disorder that involves difficulties with handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper.
3. Dyscalculia is a mathematical disorder that affects a person's ability to understand and work with numbers, symbols, and mathematical concepts.
4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A condition that impacts attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control, which can affect learning and academic performance.
5. Dyspraxia is a motor coordination disorder that affects fine and gross motor skills, making it challenging for individuals to perform coordinated movements.
6. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): is a condition that affects the brain's ability to process and make sense of auditory information, leading to difficulties in understanding and interpreting spoken language.
7. Visual Processing Disorder (VPD): A condition that affects the brain's ability to interpret visual information accurately, leading to difficulties with tasks such as reading, writing, and recognizing shapes or objects.

Parents need to understand the seven learning difficulties to effectively support their children. This awareness helps provide targeted strategies and accommodations for enhancing their children's learning and well-being.

The most common SpLD

Dyslexia is a condition that is characterized by specific difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, or comprehension. It is the most common type of specific learning difficulty (SpLD), affecting around 80% of people with SpLD (Lee, 2008; Mather and Wendling, 2012; Kalanje, 2011; International Dyslexia Association, 2012).

Because dyslexia is associated with literacy skills, it is usually evident in educational settings. Students with dyslexia may encounter difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• Visual perception of letters and words and their corresponding sounds and phonemes
• Memory
• Vocabulary
• Spelling of spoken words
• Comprehension

Dyslexia can cause emotional challenges due to learning differences. Emotional support is crucial. Building self-esteem, resilience, and a positive mindset can make a difference.

By nurturing self-belief, emphasizing strengths, and highlighting unique perspectives, confidence can be developed. Success stories and role models who have thrived with dyslexia can inspire hope. With determination, support, and the right resources, dyslexia does not define potential.

Who can diagnose SpLD?

Professionals who specialize in assessing and diagnosing learning disorders are typically qualified to diagnose specific learning difficulties (SpLD). Different countries and regulations may require different types of professionals to diagnose SpLD. The diagnosis of SpLD may be carried out by any of the following professionals:

• In addition to their expertise in assessing learning difficulties, educational psychologists are also capable of providing comprehensive assessments for the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Their training typically includes psychology, education, and assessment techniques.
• As well as assessing and diagnosing SpLD, clinical psychologists can also provide psychological treatment. In addition to psychological assessments, they are also knowledgeable about learning disorders.
• Neuropsychologists: Neuropsychologists specialize in understanding the relationship between brain functioning and behavior. They can conduct assessments to evaluate cognitive abilities and identify specific learning difficulties.
• Specialist teachers: In some cases, specialist teachers with training and experience working with individuals with learning difficulties may contribute to the assessment process. They can provide valuable insights into an individual's learning profile.

It's important to note that the specific qualifications and certifications required for diagnosing SpLD may vary across different regions. It is recommended to consult local guidelines and regulations to determine the appropriate professionals for diagnosing SpLD in a specific location.

What is the cause of SpLD?

There is still a lack of understanding of the exact causes of specific learning difficulties (SpLD). It has been suggested, however, that genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors may all contribute to the development of SpLD. Some factors are believed to play a role, including:

• A genetic component may play a role in SpLD, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other specific learning difficulties. In addition to influencing brain development, certain genes may also influence the processing of language, reading, and mathematics.
• In individuals with SpLD, neuroimaging studies have revealed differences in brain structure and functioning. Differences in these factors may affect the brain's ability to process and integrate information about reading, writing, and other academic skills.
• It is common for individuals with SpLD to demonstrate difficulties in specific cognitive areas, such as phonological processing (the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in language), working memory, and executive functioning. Developing a language and achieving academic success requires these cognitive processes.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as prenatal and early childhood experiences, may contribute to the development of SpLD. Factors like exposure to toxins, low birth weight, complications during pregnancy or birth, and a lack of early language and literacy experiences can impact learning and contribute to the manifestation of SpLD.

It's important to note that while these factors may contribute to the development of SpLD, they do not solely determine an individual's learning difficulties. SpLD is a complex condition, and additional research is needed to fully understand its causes and underlying mechanisms.

In the end, learning difficulties do not indicate a lack of intelligence or effort. They need targeted support to avoid hindering academic progress. Every student needs personalized interventions to create a comprehensive learning environment. By valuing diversity, teachers can create a safe space for all students and promote better learning outcomes.