Specific Learning Difficulties
“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on the earth, for what they believe is what they will become.”Brook Hampton
Specific Learning Difficulties
Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect an individual’s ability to receive, process, and recall information. These difficulties can impact various aspects of learning, such as processing speed, memory, and perception. Despite these challenges, with the right strategies and support, students with specific learning difficulties can achieve their academic and personal goals.
SEN Tutors specialises in providing tailored, one-on-one support, in person in Hertfordshire or online, that addresses the unique needs of each student. Our experienced and qualified tutors use a personalised tutoring approach. They help students with SpLDs overcome obstacles, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and in life.
Types of Specific Learning Difficulties
Specific learning difficulties can manifest in different ways, affecting various aspects of learning. It’s important to note that each SpLD is unique and may impact individuals differently.
Understanding the type of specific learning difficulty a child has is crucial in providing them with the appropriate support and resources. Below are some of the most common types of specific learning difficulties:
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects attention, impulse control, and concentration. Children with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, become easily distracted, and have difficulty following instructions.
This can lead to challenges in academic settings, where sustained attention and organisation are crucial. Additionally, ADHD can affect social interactions and self-esteem, especially if the child feels misunderstood or constantly reprimanded.
Is ADHD a specific learning difficulty? While ADHD is often associated with learning challenges, it is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that can indirectly affect learning. ADHD often co-occurs with other SpLDs, such as dyslexia or dysgraphia, making it essential to address multiple needs simultaneously.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common specific learning difficulty that impacts reading, writing, and spelling. Unlike a learning disability, dyslexia does not affect a person's intelligence.
This difficulty can lead to frustration and a reluctance to engage in reading or writing activities, which are fundamental to many aspects of education. Despite these challenges, individuals with dyslexia often have strong creative and problem-solving skills.
Is dyslexia a learning difficulty? Yes, dyslexia is classified as a specific learning difficulty. Common characteristics of dyslexia include:
- Difficulties with reading and writing
- Poor spelling and/or handwriting
- Writing letters in the incorrect order
- Difficulty understanding written information
- Trouble planning and organising tasks
- Issues with time perception
Some of the strategies our special educational needs tutors use to support a child with dyslexia include:
- Building a supportive and collaborative relationship
- Using multisensory approaches to tasks and activities
- Allowing students to choose how they complete tasks
- Presenting new information in small chunks
- Explicitly teaching exam strategies
- Regularly reviewing and revisiting new learning
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and coordination. It can impact everyday tasks such as writing, tying shoelaces, and even participating in sports.
Is dyspraxia a learning difficulty? Yes, dyspraxia is considered a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects motor coordination.
Common characteristics of dyspraxia include:
- Problems with activities requiring physical movement or coordination
- Difficulty navigating around the house or school
- Challenges with writing, drawing, or craft activities
- Trouble with tasks like tying shoelaces or buttoning clothes
- Using cutlery or managing fine motor tasks
Strategies our tutors use to support children with dyspraxia include:
- Adapting utensils like pens and scissors to the child’s needs
- Providing alternative activities to handwriting, such as typing or dictation
- Teaching touch typing skills
- Offering frequent breaks and extra time
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a child's ability to understand, learn, and perform mathematical operations. Children with dyscalculia often struggle with basic number concepts. This difficulty can extend to more complex mathematical tasks. For example, tasks such as understanding place value, performing mental arithmetic, and solving word problems are true challenges.
Is dyscalculia a learning difficulty? Yes, it specifically impacts numerical and mathematical skills.
Common characteristics of dyscalculia include:
- Poor understanding of numbers and estimation
- Weak mental arithmetic skills
- Difficulty remembering mathematical facts and procedures
- Taking a long time to complete calculations
- Struggling with counting backwards
Our tutors support children with dyscalculia by:
- Breaking tasks down into smaller subsets
- Using real-life cues and physical objects to teach maths concepts
- Regularly reviewing learned material
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia refers to difficulties with writing, including recognising written words and letters, and the physical act of writing. Is dysgraphia a learning difficulty? Yes, it is a specific learning difficulty that affects writing abilities.
Common characteristics of dysgraphia include:
- Unclear, irregular, or inconsistent handwriting
- Slow writing speed
- Mixing of upper and lower case letters
- Inconsistent letter and word spacing
- Unusual grip or writing position
Strategies for supporting children with dysgraphia include:
- Allowing extra time for written tasks
- Using assistive technology such as voice-to-text software
- Providing templates and scaffolding for written tasks
- Offering alternative assessment methods, like oral presentations
FAQs About Specific Learning Difficulties
What is a specific learning difficulty?
A specific learning difficulty (SpLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts certain areas of learning, such as reading, writing, maths, or motor skills. Each SpLD affects individuals differently, requiring tailored strategies to support learning.
Is ADHD a specific learning difficulty?
While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect learning, it is not classified as a specific learning difficulty. However, it often co-occurs with other SpLDs, making learning more challenging.
Is dyslexia a learning difficulty?
Yes, dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling.
What is the difference between a learning difficulty and a learning disability?
A learning difficulty refers to challenges in specific areas of learning, while a learning disability often involves more global challenges in intellectual functioning. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions between them.
What does learning difficulties mean?
Learning difficulties refer to a range of conditions that affect an individual's ability to learn in a typical manner. This includes challenges with reading, writing, maths, and motor skills.
FAQs About SEN Tutors
What services do SEN Tutors provide?
SEN Tutors offer personalised tutoring services for children with specific learning difficulties. Our tutors are experienced in supporting various SpLDs, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and more.
We offer after school sessions, online country-wide and in-person SEN tutoring sessions in Hertfordshire, as well as homeschooling tutoring lessons.
How do SEN Tutors customise their teaching?
Our tutors assess each child’s strengths, needs, and learning styles to develop customised teaching strategies that foster a positive and encouraging learning environment.
How can I book a consultation with SEN Tutors?
You can contact our friendly team to book a consultation, where we’ll discuss your child’s needs and help you find the ideal tutor.
Are SEN Tutors qualified?
Yes, all of our tutors are fully qualified and have extensive 5+ year experience working with children who have special educational needs.
What is the SEN Register?
The SEN Register is a list maintained by schools that includes all students identified as having special educational needs. This register helps track and provide the necessary support for these students.
Can specific learning difficulties be cured?
Specific learning difficulties cannot be "cured," as they are lifelong conditions. However, with the right support, strategies, and interventions, individuals with SpLDs can successfully manage their difficulties and achieve their academic and personal goals.
How are specific learning difficulties diagnosed?
Specific learning difficulties are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist. The assessment may include tests of cognitive abilities, academic skills, and other relevant areas to identify the specific nature and extent of the learning difficulty.
Get in Touch
Contact our friendly team to book a consultation. Our educational expert will discuss with you your child’s strengths, areas where support is needed.