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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
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Information on how parents can assist and support their children in all aspects of learning
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
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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
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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?
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Professionals
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Teachers and Tutors
Allied Health Professionals
Resources
Free Resources
DSF developed resources
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Learning difficulties
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
How is Dyslexia Identified?
Supporting People with Dyslexia
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
Motor Dysgraphia
Attention Disorders
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that is neurological in origin, meaning that it is brain-based. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and fluent word reading and by poor spelling and decoding abilities that do not progress as expected with the provision of well-intentioned and targeted intervention.
When children are unable to read and spell with high levels of accuracy, they are more likely to experience problems in reading comprehension. Difficulties with reading can restrict the development of vocabulary and background knowledge.
It is now well recognised that dyslexia is commonly associated with phonological awareness and processing difficulties. In simple terms, this refers to the ability to hear and manipulate the separate sounds (phonemes) within words. Although such difficulties can be detected orally at an early age, they are frequently overlooked and the problem becomes most apparent when the child struggles to learn to read in the early years of schooling. In the reading process, lack of phonological awareness skills leads to difficulty recognising that sounds can be represented by letters or groups of letters within written words (often called Phonics at school).
It is also now accepted that there is a strong hereditary component in dyslexia – that is, it runs in families. In previous years, Dyslexia was thought to affect far more boys than girls, but recent research tends to show that it is more evenly distributed. It appears that it is more noticeable in boys in the classroom situation, which leads to earlier and more frequent identification.
More Information
Supporting your child
Learn more about how to support your child at home
Support for Adults with Dyslexia
Learn more about learning difficulties in adults and what support options are available
Supporting Student Learning
Learn more about how teachers and tutors can support students with learning difficulties
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