What are specific learning difficulties?

They are neurological differences sometimes referred to as neuro-diversity.  A person with a diagnosis, has a 35 - 40% chance of other learning difficulties being present too. 50% of visual dyslexics have a degree of Meares-Irlen syndrome or light sensitivity which also affects reading.

Some of the most common are listed below.

Asperger’s Syndrome (and high functioning autism)

This falls within the autism spectrum for individuals with a particular set of social, communication and behavioural characteristics. Students with Asperger’s range from having normal to very high IQ. While having an excellent vocabulary there may be difficulties communicating effectively, both verbally or through body language.

Attention Deficit

The most common characteristics are inattention and impulsivity. Some adults have restlessness and short concentration span and poor memory. Uneven academic performance is typical so work may vary in quality although the end effect is often underachievement.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a specific developmental disability that affects a person's ability to write.  Problems may include fine-motor muscle control of the hands and/or processing difficulties.  Some students with dysgraphia may prefer to use a keyboard, particularly in examinations, or rely on verbal communication.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning difficulty that specifically impairs a person’s ability with the written word. It affects a wide range of people, producing different symptoms and varying degrees of severity. Although effects vary from person to person common characteristics include difficulty with phonological processing (manipulation of sounds and/or rapid visual-verbal responding). The most common effects are problems with reading, writing, spelling, short-term memory, concentration and organisational skills.

Dyspraxia

This is also known as Disorder of Attention, Motor and Perception (DAMP) or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), and is commonly experienced as having problems with coordination and organisation of movement. In many adults it persists as a difficulty with organising and sometimes time management. Putting thoughts into writing in a structured way presents problems, and handwriting can be difficult.

Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome is characterised by the presence of chronic vocal and motor tics.  It is somewhat more common in people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an autistic spectrum disorder than in the general population.  Emotional distress and stress appears to influence the frequency of tics.