Specific Learning Difficulties

Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) is a general term used to describe a group of disorders which affect language and learning. This group of disorders is thought to affect between 3% and 10% of the population. Such a diagnosis is sought when a noticeable inconsistency becomes apparent between an individual's intelligence and their acquisition of reading, writing, spelling and maths skills despite support by sound teaching practice.

Most commonly, the term incorporates conditions described as Dyslexia (specific reading disorder), Dyscalculia (specific calculation disorder) Dyspraxia (speech) and Dysgraphia (specific writing disorder) and boys are about three times more likely to attract identification than girls.

Students with Specific Learning Difficulty frequently have trouble following instructions, attending and remembering. They are likely to appear poorly coordinated and consistently present poor handwriting. Not surprisingly, their more general organisational levels are usually regarded as inadequate. They are commonly described as lazy, lacking in ability, poorly motivated, disorganised and slow learners. Sometimes the frustration and humiliation they have endured to acquire basic reading, spelling, writing or arithmetical skills badly compromises the development of their social skills, friendships, compliance, self-confidence and optimism. Family tensions, poor teacher understanding and lack of intelligent learning support certainly help to compound matters.

Specific Learning Difficulties Links
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
http://www.iamdyslexic.com
http://www.interdys.org
http://www.speld-sa.org.au/links.html