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.