SpLD is the short term for specific learning difficulties. These are life-long neurological differences that affect the way a person learns and processes information. They tend to run in families, and are not connected to intellectual ability. They are called ‘specific’ to differentiate them from general learning difficulties, where an individual has difficulties in all areas of learning. Individuals with specific learning differences tend to show a pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Many people prefer to use the term Specific Learning Differences, rather than Difficulties.

Dyslexia is one of a number of Specific Learning Difficulties or SpLDs (others include Dysgraphia , Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia). ADHD is also often described as a SpLD (though it is a diagnosis in its own right). SpLDs commonly occur together – for instance you may have both Dyslexia and ADHD.

Here are some common characteristics of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) listed by The Dyslexia Association

• Memory difficulties.

• Organisational difficulties.

• Writing difficulties.

• Visual processing difficulties.

• Reading difficulties.

• Auditory processing difficulties.

• Time management difficulties.

• Sensory distraction: an inability to screen out extraneous visual or auditory stimuli.

• Sensory overload: a heightened sensitivity to visual stimuli and sound; an inability to cope with busy environments.

What are SpLDs?

Here is a video explaining Executive Functions to children. This covers some of the characteristics common to SpLDs listed above: