Specific Learning Disorders
Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are a heterogeneous group of conditions manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition, processing, and use of information, in areas such as reading, spelling, writing, or numeracy.
Specific Learning Disorders are neurobiological in nature and are often hereditary. They are lifelong conditions, though they may differ in course, severity, and clinical expression. Children with learning disorders are sometimes described as displaying a pattern of “unexpected underachievement,” in that that they experience delays in academic achievement, despite average or above average overall intellectual ability. They may however have deficits in specific areas of cognitive functioning related to learning, such as phonetic coding or associative memory.
Specific Learning Disorders generally first become apparent to parents and educators in the primary school years, when children are required to read, write and learn mathematics. During this period, they may display a number of academic difficulties that show little improvement with regular educational instruction or intervention. They may also suffer from anxiety, embarrassment or fatigue, and engage in avoidance behaviours, such as calling out in class or disengaging from school work entirely.
Most learning disorders occur in one or more of the following academic domains:
Reading: A Specific Learning Disorder in Reading (otherwise known as Dyslexia) is typically characterized by difficulties with accurate word recognition, decoding and spelling. It may also cause problems in reading comprehension, reading fluency and vocabulary development. Some learners struggle with phonological coding, or the ability to readily and easily associate speech sounds with individual letters and/or groups of letters, which is a central part of the reading process.
Written Expression: A Specific Learning Disorder in Written Expression (otherwise known as Dysgraphia) can impair various aspects of writing, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation and handwriting. It can also lead to problems with organising and expressing thoughts on paper. Students may struggle to form letters, numbers, and words by hand, or have trouble thinking and writing at the same time.
Mathematics: A Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics (otherwise known as Dyscalculia) can result in difficulties related to grasping and understanding size and quantity, learning and remembering number facts, performing calculations and/or demonstrating mathematical reasoning.
It is important to keep in mind that the terms “specific learning disorder,” and “learning difficulty” and are often used interchangeably, although they refer to different things.
“Learning Difficulty” is a generic term that refers to all students who exhibit problems acquiring academic skills. Learning difficulties may be caused by a range of internal and external factors. These might include physical or sensory deficits, emotional and behavioural difficulties, or environmental factors, such as inadequate educational opportunities, poor instruction, or exposure to family and community stressors. Learning difficulties may be transitory and can often improve with intervention. In contrast, a “Specific Learning Disorder” is an enduring clinical diagnosis, which cannot be attributed to the causes listed above. Children with this diagnosis require intensive instruction and support that is differentiated in ways that can address and accommodate for their unique learning needs.
