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Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
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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
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Download free resources for all ages
DSF developed resources
Learn more about our specifically designed literacy resources
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Access a variety of free resources to to assist families with children learning from home
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Online Learning
Learn more out our Understanding Learning Difficulties e-Learning course
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DSF maintains a register of qualified specialist tutors for children and adults.
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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
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Learning difficulties
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Other disorders that can affect learning
Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Attention Disorders
Learning difficulties
In this section
Learning difficulties overview
Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
How is Dyslexia Identified?
Supporting People with Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
What is Dysgraphia?
How is Dysgraphia Identified?
Supporting People with Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
What is Dyscalculia?
How is Dyscalculia Identified?
Supporting People with Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Attention Disorders
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a motor-based disorder that affects approximately 5% of primary school aged children. It is also known as dyspraxia or motor-based dysgraphia.
Children with DCD have difficulties learning and performing motor skills and their coordination is below expectations for their age. These difficulties may be displayed as slowness or inaccuracy in the performance of fine and/or gross motor skills which compromises performance in activities of daily living and often interferes with academic achievement.
DCD may be suspected if a child is unusually clumsy and/or is showing difficulties in learning and/or performing gross or fine motor skills. Children with DCD often experience difficulties with speed and/or legibility of handwriting that may affect their abilit to express themselves in writing. DCD may therefore co-exist with a specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression, but is differentiated from it by the emphasis on the motor component of the written output rather than the content. The difficulties associated with DCD are generally addressed by an occupational therapist.
More Information
Find an Occupational Therapist
Visit the WA Occupational Association to find an OT
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