Dyslexia Support South: Where hope meets learning
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    • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
    • Supporting home learning
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    • Understanding Dyslexia - A Guide for Educators. Free Australian Resource
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Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders

Specific Learning Difficulties

Specific learning difficulties is an umbrella term used to cover different types of learning difficulties. These include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia and are the most common ones we come across.

To have a specific learning difficulty you must have a discrepancy between your normal to above normal intelligence and an ability. For example, with dyslexia the discrepancy is between your intelligence and ability to read, write and spell easily. For dyscalculia it is a discrepancy between your intelligence and your maths ability.

Specific learning difficulties are on a spectrum from mild to severe and are hereditary. They can also co-exist so, for example, one person may have dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Processing Disorders

Processing Disorders relate to a person’s ability to process information. These processing disorders can be visually based (Irlen Syndrome), auditory based (Auditory Processing Disorder) or affect the overall processing speed for a person taking in information or socially.

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Irlen Syndrome
  • Auditory Processing Disorder
  • Slower processing abilities

In this section

  • Catering for different types of learners
  • Creating a dyslexia-friendly classroom
    • Tips for the classroom
    • Dyslexia-friendly text and documents
    • Dyslexia-friendly teaching methods
      • 4D for schools
      • Universal Design for Learning
  • Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Dyspraxia
    • Irlen Syndrome
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Classroom accommodations for Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Slower processing abilities
  • Supporting SENCOs
  • Parent information evenings for your school community
  • Accommodations in the classroom
  • Decodable books
  • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
  • Supporting home learning
  • Executive functioning in the classroom
  • NZQA National Qualifications for Specific Learning Differences
  • Dyslexia Friendly Guidelines for Effective Communication and Advertising.
  • Understanding Dyslexia - A Guide for Educators. Free Australian Resource

Dyslexia Support South and Growing Stars are programmes run by Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is designed to assist parents, caregivers and educators by providing helpful information on the topics represented. It does not replace information provided by a qualified professional. Parents, caregivers and educators are encouraged to do their own research on programmes mentioned. Dyslexia Support South does not endorse or support any particular product or business.

© Dyslexia Support South 2025

Website by RS

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      • Processing Speed
        • Slow Processing Speed and Daily Life
        • Slow Processing Speed and Social Interactions
    • Interventions available in Southland
    • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
      • Dyslexia
      • Irlen Syndrome
    • School information
      • Assistive Technology
      • Structured Literacy Information
        • What is Structured Literacy?
        • Decodable Books
      • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
      • Special Assessment Conditions
        • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
        • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
      • Funding and scholarships
      • Who do I speak to at school?
      • Talking with your child’s school
      • Study tips
      • Home learning tips
    • Emotional impact
      • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
      • Anxiety
      • Low self esteem
      • Growth Mindset
      • Support agencies
      • Should I label my child dyslexic?
      • How can I help my child?
      • Strengths of Dyslexia
      • Increasing dyslexia awareness
      • Wellbeing support programmes
    • Resources
      • Books to read
        • Books for pre-teens and teens.
        • Books for parents
        • Books for children
        • Graphic Novels
      • Book Review. Congratulations - You have Dyslexia! Great Minds Think Differently.
      • The Value of Games
      • Tips for around the home
      • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
      • Mind mapping
      • Working with dyslexic strengths
      • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
      • Executive Functioning
      • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
      • Book review - Children Of The Rush Series - By James Russell.
    • Support in the Otago Region
    • Personal stories
      • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
      • A Mum’s Perspective
      • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience
      • Why Advocating Makes a Difference.
  • School Toolkit
    • Catering for different types of learners
    • Creating a dyslexia-friendly classroom
      • Tips for the classroom
      • Dyslexia-friendly text and documents
      • Dyslexia-friendly teaching methods
        • 4D for schools
        • Universal Design for Learning
    • Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Irlen Syndrome
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
        • Classroom accommodations for Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
    • Supporting SENCOs
    • Parent information evenings for your school community
    • Accommodations in the classroom
    • Decodable books
    • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
    • Supporting home learning
    • Executive functioning in the classroom
    • NZQA National Qualifications for Specific Learning Differences
    • Dyslexia Friendly Guidelines for Effective Communication and Advertising.
    • Understanding Dyslexia - A Guide for Educators. Free Australian Resource
  • Adult Toolkit
    • Dyslexia Download Online Forum
      • Dyslexia Download 2025 Meetings dates
      • Notes from Dyslexia Download meetings
      • Sally Chesterfield - Dyslexia Download Facilitator
    • Resources
  • Teen Toolkit
    • Downloadable tip sheets
    • Parents supporting teens
  • Growing Stars
    • What Growing Stars covers
    • Our Facilitators
    • Growing Stars Community Workshops
    • Growing Stars in Schools
    • Growing Stars resources for sale
    • Community support
    • Support available from other agencies
  • Services
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