Introduction to Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

‘Specific learning difficulties’ (SpLD) is an umbrella term to cover a number of problems: dyslexia (reading and writing), dyscalculia (maths), dyspraxia (co-ordination), dysgraphia (writing).

Children may have difficulties in just one of these areas – a purely dyscalculic child will stumble only with numbers and may excel in non-mathematical subjects – but it is not uncommon for a dyslexic pupil to have difficulties in some areas of maths, most likely in number, or to have some co-ordination difficulties. Difficulties with numeracy are often accompanied by the language difficulties of dyslexia.

Some children with specific learning difficulties may exhibit behavioural difficulties, though frequently these diminish when the child receives appropriate help and support with a subsequent growth in confidence and self-esteem.

See also

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia

Dyscalculia

Developmental verbal dyspraxia

Dysgraphia