Page 16 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

How characteristics can vary from individual to individual

The difficulties experienced by people with SpLDs vary in severity and significance,
and appear across all ranges of ability. This explains why the impact of SpLDs varies
so much from person to person, and why individuals differ widely in terms of how their
symptoms are presented.

Many people with an SpLD remain unidentified due to the wide variation and
complexity of signs and symptoms.

Some children may experience difficulties in a variety of areas while others may
have problems only with certain specific activities. Whilst there are some common
patterns of behaviour and ability, there will also be a range of different effects
for each individual.

The symptoms of SpLDs presented will vary according to:
• The number of different learning difficulties an individual may experience

• Their ability
• Their background

• Their opportunities.

ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders that can vary from person
to person.

Key Fact

One of the important factors in relation to understanding the needs
of people with SpLDs is that they are individuals who may share
common difficulties and strengths, but are all different and every
person should be treated as an individual.

Source: https://www.bradfordvts.co.uk/wp-content/
onlineresources/0307teachinglearning/difficulttrainee/
dyslexia%20and%20dyspraxia.pdf

“Because of the high level of co-occurrence between different SpLDs, it is
important to understand that each profile is unique to the individual and can
appear in a variety of ways. The effects of an SpLD are manifested differently for
different students and range from mild to severe. It may be difficult to diagnose,
to determine impact, and to accommodate.”

Source: The British Dyslexia Association, https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
educator/what-are-specific-learning-difficulties

14