What is a learning disability?
A specific learning disability is a condition that begins in childhood and makes it hard to learn and use certain skills, most often reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, understanding concepts or doing maths.
It looks different in every child. Some struggle only with reading, some only with maths, and some across several areas.
Children with a learning disability have average or above-average intelligence. Their brains simply process information differently.
Types of learning disability
- Dyslexia: difficulty with reading
- Dysgraphia: difficulty with writing
- Dyscalculia: difficulty with maths
- Dyspraxia: difficulty with motor coordination, such as holding a pencil, using scissors, or clumsiness when running or walking
- Dysphasia: difficulty understanding the meaning of words, telling a story or speaking fluently
- Auditory processing difficulty: trouble hearing the small differences between sounds in words
- Visual processing difficulty: missing small differences in shapes, reversing letters or numbers, skipping words or lines, or trouble judging distance and with eye–hand coordination
Signs to look for
Reading, writing & maths
- Trouble learning the alphabet, rhymes, or linking letters to sounds
- Reading aloud letter by letter, guessing words, or not understanding what was read
- Frequent spelling errors
- Awkward pencil grip and handwriting; struggles to put ideas into writing
- Confusing maths symbols or misreading numbers
Listening, memory & behaviour
- Mixing up similar-sounding words, like ‘till’ for ‘mill’ or ‘sip’ for ‘ship’
- Difficulty remembering and following several instructions
- Avoiding or not finishing homework, often because it feels hard, not because the child is lazy
- Stomach aches, headaches or reluctance to go to school, which can be signs of stress about learning
How is it identified and supported?
A psycho-educational assessment looks at your child’s intelligence alongside their reading, writing and maths skills to find exactly where the difficulty lies. Support then focuses on those specific areas through remedial teaching and special education, strategies at home, and adjustments at school. Some children also benefit from occupational or speech therapy.
Early identification makes a big difference to a child’s confidence as well as their marks.
How I can help
- Psycho-educational and intelligence (IQ) assessment with a clear written report
- A plan of practical strategies for home and school
- Guidance for teachers on classroom support and accommodations
- Help with study skills, confidence and exam anxiety
- Parent counselling to reduce stress at home around schoolwork
When to reach out
Speak to a professional if your child is falling behind in one or more subjects despite effort and good teaching, or if schoolwork is causing ongoing distress.
This guide is for general awareness and is not a diagnosis. Every child is different. Please consult a qualified professional about your child.