Page 58 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

The barriers to achieving a diagnosis of Specific Learning
Difficulties

It is widely acknowledged that the identification of SpLDs can be problematic for
parents and teachers, as the symptoms can be mistaken for other things and are not
always obvious. Both children and adults can become very accomplished at hiding
their difficulties, which adds to the problem.

For some SpLDs, such as DCD, it is difficult to establish a definite diagnosis when a
child is under the age of five, due to them being very young.

ADHD is a complex condition, and the diagnosis is made by a medical professional
who is a qualified specialist in the subject. There remain some areas of disagreement
about symptoms used to diagnose the condition, and a number of other potential
causes of the symptoms may need to be ruled out first.

Training for doctors does not include information and guidance about dyslexia, partly
due to the fact that dyslexia is not viewed as a medical condition. The diagnostic
process is not funded by the NHS, even though the condition is recognised under the
Equality Act, and this may create a financial barrier for some people.

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