Learning Difficulties

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What is it?

Information

Learning difficulties are challenges that affect a person’s ability to understand or use spoken or written language, perform mathematical calculations, or coordinate movements. These difficulties can impact learning in school and everyday activities, but they do not reflect a person’s intelligence.

Here's more detail

Published: 05/10/24

Description

A learning difficulty is when someone struggles with certain types of learning, like reading, writing, or math. Learning difficulties might also impact how you do day-to-day tasks. It’s not about how smart you are, but about how you process and use information.

People with learning difficulties might find some tasks harder than others, but with the right support and strategies, they can still succeed and reach their goals. 

As with learning disability, learning difficulties can also exist on a scale. A person might have a mild learning difficulty or a severe learning difficulty. 

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Types

There are many different types of learning difficulty. A person can have one, or a combination. Below are some common examples of learning difficulties. 

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

    You can learn more about ADHD by visiting this page *insert link to WR page on ADHD*

  • Dyspraxia

    Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily.

    Symptoms include:

    • Clumsiness and poor coordination.
    • Difficulty with handwriting and fine motor tasks.
    • Problems with balance and spatial awareness.
    • Struggles with multi-step instructions.
    • Issues with organising belongings and time management.

    You learn learn more about dyspraxia and support available on the NHS website.

  • Dyslexia

    Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly causes problems with reading, writing and spelling.

    Symptoms include:

    • read and write very slowly
    • confuse the order of letters in words
    • be confused by letters that look similar and write letters the wrong way round (such as “b” and “d”)
    • have poor or inconsistent spelling
    • understand information when told verbally, but have difficulty with information that’s written down
    • find it hard to carry out a sequence of directions
    • struggle with planning and organisation

    You learn learn more about dyslexia and support available on the NHS website.

  • Dyscalculia

    Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. People with dyscalculia may struggle with tasks such as:

    • Performing basic arithmetic calculations.
    • Understanding mathematical symbols and concepts.
    • Remembering number sequences and math facts.
    • Applying math skills to everyday problems.

    You can learn more by visiting this page on the British Dyslexia Association website.

  • Dysgraphia

    Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty that affects writing skills. It involves challenges with:

    • Handwriting: Difficulty with forming letters and writing legibly.
    • Spelling: Problems with spelling words correctly.
    • Writing Organisation: Trouble organising and expressing thoughts on paper.
    • Written Expression: Struggles with putting ideas into written words and sentences.

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Stat

dyslexia
Over

6 million

individuals in the UK have dyslexia and may not have received a diagnosis

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Causes

Causes

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Learning difficulties can happen for various reasons, and they often come from a mix of factors. Sometimes, it’s due to differences in how our brains develop and work. Other times, it can be influenced by things in our environment, like not having enough support at school or facing tough situations at home. Health issues, like problems with hearing or vision, can also make learning harder. Emotional factors, such as feeling stressed or anxious, can get in the way too. Everyone learns in their own way, so if traditional methods aren’t working, it might help to find different approaches or get some extra support. 

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Voice

Inclusion means accommodating the needs of every child, and empowering them to make their own choices wherever they can. Children should be protected from feeling that their mental health or neurodiversity means that their life is limited, or has less value.

- Nip in the Bud, Inclusion for every neurodiverse child

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Getting help

The most important thing is having somebody to talk to, and to fight against any internal voices that make us afraid to be open and vulnerable.
Parent, Nip in the Bud

Some resources that may help

BBC Bitesize Logo

BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit: SEND

A website with activities, advice and personal stories about parenting and special educational needs and disabilities to help you support your family.
Wellbeing Tools / Website
DyslexiaPlus image

DyslexiaPlus

Service that assesses, diagnoses, guides and supports both children and adults who think they may be experiencing the overwhelming challenges of dyslexia and other learning difficulties.
National Groups / Service Info
Nip in the Bud logo

Nip in the Bud

A mental health awareness charity providing free online films and fact sheets created with expert input, covering various mental health conditions and real-life experiences, aiming to promote early intervention in collaboration with professionals.
National Groups / Video

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