Dyslexia
& Learning Difficulties

Child Learning Difficulties

The term ‘learning difficulty’ is often heard in relation to children with learning challenges at school. Students with learning difficulties in the reading and writing components of literacy may be referred to as ‘dyslexic’, however, not all students with this presentation have Dyslexia. ‘Learning difficulty’ is really an umbrella term that can include students who present with different types of difficulties in learning. This can include students with problems in mathematics as well as those who have more persistent difficulties with decoding, spelling , formulation of sentences etc.

Some students may present with Dyslexia. These students do not have intrinsic problems with intelligence or motivation. They do however process information differently to other people. For yet other students with learning challenges, there is some cognitive weakness. Luckily there are ways to test for learning difficulties in children and as mentioned, it is important to identify problems as early as possible

What does learning Assessment look like?

This needs to look at the skills that underpin literacy, (decoding, reading comprehension, spelling) and numeracy, as well as learning in general. Both achievement and academic skills need to be considered. Quality assessment of reading and the prerequisite skills of phonological processing and production should be carried out. Oral language including the following of instructions, memory, handwriting and writing of text, are also just some of the areas that need to be considered. As noted, the earlier the better!

Each child or person with a learning difficulty looks a little different to the next. One may struggle with decoding and spelling, while another might also have problems with remembering new information. It is important that learning difficulties are diagnosed as early as possible for optimal outcomes.

What risk factors could be noted?