What Is a Learning Difficulty?
When we discuss learning difficulties, it’s crucial to understand that they can represent a wide range of learning-related challenges. Learning difficulties are in no way related to intelligence.
Instead, children and adults experiencing learning difficulties simply understand, see, hear, or process things differently than what is imposed by the social norm. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that there is a difference between a learning difficulty and a learning disability.
Learning difficulties are widely common among children and adults. Hence, it’s crucial to understand the different types of learning difficulties better to learn how to support individuals experiencing them.
Types of Learning Difficulties
It’s important first to understand that learning difficulties might manifest differently from one individual to another. Therefore, getting an insight into common learning difficulties is essential.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes challenges with staying focused, paying attention, and controlling certain behaviours and hyperactivity.
Healthcare professionals recognise three subtypes of ADHD:
- Hyperactive/impulsive
- Inattentive (previously referred to as ADD)
- Combined
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder usually becomes apparent during nursery or early school years. However, many individuals remain undiagnosed well into their adulthood. This learning difficulty can pose an immense challenge for some individuals and impact their everyday life and academic or professional success. However, with the proper support, individuals experiencing ADHD can thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects reading and language-based processing skills. Individuals with dyslexia might have challenges with word decoding, recognition, and spelling.
For children, experiencing dyslexia without a clear support plan can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or a decline in self-confidence. Hence, it’s crucial to provide individuals with the required tools, support, and interventions that can help them overcome the symptoms of dyslexia and thrive.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia, also referred to as Developmental Coordination Disorder, affects an individual’s coordination skills. Additionally, this learning difficulty can also affect an individual’s fine motor skills. People experiencing dyspraxia might have challenges with the following:
- Writing
- Using small objects
- Balance
- Walking upstairs and downstairs
- Participate in activities that require coordination
When provided with the right support, tools, and treatment plan, individuals with dyspraxia can flourish in every aspect of their lives.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects an individual’s ability to comprehend number-based information. Individuals who experience this learning difficulty have challenges with mathematics and numbers.
The symptoms of this learning difficulty appear during young childhood and are most evident while a child is learning basic math. However, many individuals might go undiagnosed and still experience stress, anxiety, or discomfort when it comes to using numbers or mathematics. There are treatment plans and interventions that can help with the symptoms of dyscalculia and ensure individuals are living their lives to their fullest potential.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty that mainly affects the writing skills of individuals. Therefore, individuals experiencing dysgraphia will most likely experience difficulties writing in a straight line and writing inappropriately sized or spaced letters. These challenges are most commonly caused by trouble with motor skills. With the right support, individuals can learn techniques which can improve their writing skills.
Signs and Symptoms of Learning Difficulties
Recognising the signs and symptoms of learning difficulty is crucial for early diagnosis and proper treatment and support.
Although learning difficulties have some signs or symptoms that are more evident and can point out a specific learning difficulty – it’s crucial to consult with medical professionals. Additionally, each individual experiences learning difficulties in different ways, and these differences are diverse and complex. Hence, we mustn’t “box” individuals based on specific signs without a medical opinion.
Signs of Learning Difficulties in Children
Learning difficulties can manifest in different ways in children. Some of the more common signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is experiencing a learning difficulty include:
- Challenges with acquiring academic skills (reading, writing, or math)
- Avoidant or visibly uncomfortable with activities such as reading, writing, or problem-solving.
- Challenges with memory, focus or attention
- Challenges with using spoken language or expressing oneself
- Challenges with understanding spoken language
- Hyperactivity or impulsivity that poses a challenge to academic success or social interactions
- Low self-esteem, frustration, anxiety, or behavioural issues related to academic challenges
These signs do not have to indicate that an individual is experiencing a learning difficulty. However, if these signs occur over a longer period of time, it’s beneficial to consult medical professionals and get an assessment for your child.
Signs of Learning Difficulties in Adults
Unfortunately, the stigmatisation of learning difficulties has led to many adults being left undiagnosed with learning difficulties. However, seeking help if an individual suspect they might have a certain learning difficulty can immensely benefit their everyday lives.
Some signs and symptoms of learning difficulties in adults include:
- Challenges with writing or reading comprehension
- Challenges with memory
- Challenges with mathematical concepts
- Challenges with problem-solving skills
- Continuously having challenges with focusing while at work
- Challenges with understanding spoken-language
Many adults feel embarrassed to seek assessment or help for learning difficulties. However, stepping towards support for learning difficulties is immensely brave and can only benefit one’s well-being and life. Hence, showing your support, compassion, and empathy towards someone who might be going through this experience is paramount.
Learning Difficulties Assessment
Assessing and diagnosing learning difficulties includes an evaluation by medical professionals that includes evaluating:
- Cognition
- Academia
- Memory
- Attention
- Language skills
Psychologists, educational specialists, and physicians can all take part in the diagnosis of learning difficulties. The process might take a longer period of time; however, it’s important to remain patient and get properly diagnosed.
Difference Between Learning Difficulties and Learning Disabilities
Learning difficulties and learning disabilities are terms that often get mixed up. However, it’s important to understand that a learning difficulty and learning disability are significantly different.
A learning disability affects an individual’s intellectual ability across all areas of life. On the other hand, a learning difficulty affects a specific aspect of learning and doesn’t affect the overall intellectual ability across all areas of life.
Although a learning disability is a life-long condition and impacts an individual’s capacity to learn across all aspects of everyday life – with the proper support, individuals living with learning disabilities can make progress and become more independent within their communities.
Global Developmental Delay
Global developmental delay is a condition that affects the development of children. Children with global developmental delay don’t develop certain skills until a much later age than expected. These skills include:
- Motor skills
- Language skills
- Social and emotional skills
- Cognitive skills
With the right tailored support, individuals with global developmental delay can learn skills at their own pace.
Support for People with Learning Difficulties
Individuals with learning difficulties require support and care to help them navigate through their challenges and reach their full potential. This can include educational support, social support, or healthcare support.
Specialised teaching methods, tailored learning plans, and assistive technology can benefit children at school and help them reach their goals at their own pace. Additionally, adults may encounter some challenges in the workplace as well. Therefore, it’s crucial to create environments where everyone can thrive and progress in their unique way.
Counselling and therapy services are also crucial aspects when it comes to supporting people with learning difficulties. Individuals might find it challenging to build relationships within their communities, and therapy can help navigate them through this process.
How Unique Community Services Offers Support for People With Learning Difficulties?
Unique Community Services provides tailored support for children and adults with learning difficulties. Our goal is to transform the care system and how people are supported by delivering proactive and compassionate services. What’s more, we provide personalised care with a humanised touch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Our clinicians are trained to identify the unique skillset of each individual and leverage them. We continuously strive to support individuals to become independent and live life to the fullest within their communities.
To learn more, you can contact our offices in Bristol and Manchester or contact us directly.
Looking for a Career in Helping People with Learning Difficulties?
Becoming part of the Unique Community Services team is unlike any other career. We are looking for clinicians with the empathy, kindness, and humanised mindset needed to challenge social barriers on the path of inclusion for people with complex care needs. Our clinicians receive regular recognition and reward for their dedication and impact in a work environment that supports their career growth.
Join the Unique Community Services family and receive free training that will equip you with the knowledge to create a better world.
