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Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
An overview of learning difficulties and specific learning disorders
Dyslexia
A specific learning disability in reading is commonly called dyslexia.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting thoughts on paper.
Dyscalculia
A learning disorder related to mathematics is commonly referred to as Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Information regarding other conditions that can affect learning
Families
Families
Information and advice for parents and carers of children with learning difficulties
When should a child be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What is involved in an assessment?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
How can families support children?
Information on how parents can assist and support their children in all aspects of learning
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
An overview of learning difficulties in adults and support options
Can adults have learning disorders?
Information on how learning disorders can affect adults in the workplace and when undertaking further education
When should an adult be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What support is available for adults?
Information on how DSF can assist and support you and what provisions can be made in the workplace and when completing further studies
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Information for professionals working with individuals with learning difficulties
Schools
Services and information for schools and educational organisations
Teachers and Tutors
Advice and information for teachers.
Allied Health Professionals
Information for Speech Pathologists and Psychologists
Resources
Free Resources
Download free resources for all ages
DSF developed resources
Learn more about our specifically designed literacy resources
Resources for Families
Access a variety of free resources to to assist families with children learning from home
Online store
Purchase books, activities and other literacy tools from the DSF online store.
DSF Library
Search and borrow items from the DSF library.
News
Access our News updates and e-alerts
Our Services
Workshops and Events
Find out about upcoming events for parents, students and professionals.
Online Learning
Learn more out our Understanding Learning Difficulties e-Learning course
Clinical Services
Consultations, speech pathology and other assessments.
Tutoring
DSF maintains a register of qualified specialist tutors for children and adults.
DSF Literacy Clinics
Individual and small-group tutoring for students in Perth and Albany.
Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Families
Families
When should a child be assessed?
What is involved in an assessment?
How can families support children?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
Can adults have learning disorders?
When should an adult be assessed?
What support is available for adults?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Schools
Teachers and Tutors
Allied Health Professionals
Resources
Free Resources
DSF developed resources
Resources for Families
Online store
DSF Library
News
Our Services
Workshops and Events
Online Learning
Clinical Services
Tutoring
DSF Literacy Clinics
Who we are
Become a member
Contact
Search
Adults
Improving literacy or numeracy skills
What support is available for adults?
Improving literacy or numeracy skills
Support when training
Workplace supports
Adults
In this section
Adults overview
Can adults have learning disorders?
When should an adult be assessed?
What support is available for adults?
Improving literacy or numeracy skills
Support when training
Workplace supports
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults who have experienced literacy and numeracy difficulties throughout their schooling can benefit from intensive and targeted interventions.
When considering the ongoing nature of learning difficulties, many adults have found it far more challenging to improve their underlying reading, spelling, writing and/or maths skills independently, and without the support of a specialist tutor or teacher.
To improve literacy and numeracy skills, adults require a high level of explicit teaching, utilising a structured and cumulative teaching program that considers their individual challenges and interests. For adults who are interested in further developing their literacy and numeracy skills, there are a number of options available:
DSF has a register of tutors and specialist teachers who provide a structured, explicit, cumulative and multisensory approach to literacy and numeracy instruction.
Alternatively, you can access tutoring through organisations such as “Read Write Now”, a free tutoring service run by volunteers.
There are a number of resources that could be utilised at home, with the support of a family member. However, it should be noted that many of these programs are designed for younger learners.
More Information
Improving Reading in Adults
Download a free information sheet on how to develop reading skills in adults
Improving Spelling in Adults
Download an information sheet on how to assist with improving spelling in adults
Specialist Tutoring at DSF
Learn more about options for tutoring at DSF
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