Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties: What Every Educator Should Know

Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs) fall within the broader spectrum of neurodevelopmental differences. They are characterised by ongoing challenges in reading, writing, or mathematics that typically emerge during the school years and are not caused by intellectual, sensory, or motor impairments.

Specific Learning Difficulties

These challenges can significantly impact academic progress, daily functioning, and future opportunities. Even with increasing awareness, students with SLDs are still more likely to face emotional and behavioural challenges, underachievement at school, difficulties with peer relationships, and barriers to future employment and independence (Bonati, 2018; DuPaul et al., 2001).

Chef Jamie Oliver

Recently, chef and entrepreneur Jamie Oliver launched a campaign in the UK to improve school support for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties—bringing much-needed attention to this issue, which is why EdUThrive has decided to highlight and raise awareness about the challenges faced by these students.

Why It Matters for Educators

Teachers play a vital role in changing this story. With the right knowledge and tools, educators can create inclusive classrooms where students with SLDs feel understood, supported, and capable. By recognising the early signs, adopting flexible teaching strategies, and focusing on students’ strengths, teachers can make a lasting impact on both learning outcomes and wellbeing.

What Are Specific Learning Difficulties?

Specific Learning Difficulties are lifelong conditions that affect how individuals process, retain and express information. These difficulties are not related to intelligence; many students with SLDs have average or above-average IQs—but they learn differently and may require different approaches.

Common types of SLDs include:

• Dyslexia – affects reading accuracy, fluency, spelling, and writing

• Dyscalculia – affects understanding of numbers and mathematical reasoning

• Dysgraphia – affects handwriting and fine motor skills involved in writing

• Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) – impacts motor coordination and planning

  
  

In addition, ADHD frequently co-occurs with SLDs, affecting attention, impulse control, and self-regulation.

Each individual presents a unique learning profile, and effective support requires tailored, responsive teaching approaches.

Signs to Look Out For

Educators and parents should be alert to signs that persist over time and are not explained by a lack of effort or teaching. These may include:

• Difficulty following instructions

• Struggles with reading fluency or spelling

• Poor handwriting or slow writing speed

• Difficulty understanding numbers or solving basic maths problems

• Challenges with organisation, memory, or focus

How SLDs Affect Learning and Wellbeing

The impact of SLDs extends beyond academic tasks. Many students experience:

• Frustration or low self-esteem from repeated failure

• Avoidance of certain subjects or tasks

• Anxiety or disengagement from learning

• Social difficulties or feelings of exclusion

  
  

Without early recognition and support, these students may be misunderstood as lazy, inattentive, or disruptive—when in fact, they simply learn differently.

Supporting Students with SLDs

Effective support begins with understanding, followed by practical strategies that foster engagement and success:

1. Identification and Assessment

Early identification—whether formal or informal—helps clarify a student’s needs and ensures timely, targeted support..

2. Personalised Teaching Approaches

Use multisensory instruction, scaffolding, and differentiation to help students access content in ways that suit their learning profile.

3. Assistive Technology

Tools such as text-to-speech, voice typing, word prediction, and visual organisers can remove barriers and build independence.

4. Flexible Assessment

Offer options beyond traditional tests, like oral presentations, visual projects, or typing instead of handwriting, so students can demonstrate their knowledge.

5. Emotional and Social Support

Acknowledge effort, provide consistent encouragement, and support self-advocacy to build confidence and resilience.

Working Together: A Shared Responsibility

Supporting students with SLDs isn’t just the job of specialist teachers. It requires collaboration between classroom teachers, learning support staff, allied health professionals, parents—and most importantly, the student. With informed, empathetic, and evidence-based practices, we can create school environments where all learners feel valued and empowered.

Final Thoughts

Specific Learning Difficulties are not a reflection of ability or effort. They reflect a different way of learning—and that means we need a different way of teaching. With awareness, creativity, and compassion, educators can help unlock the potential in every student.

#SpecificLearningDifficulties #EveryLearnerMatters #InclusiveEducation #EdUThrive