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Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

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Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

Contents

What SpLD is
Common types of SpLD
Signs and characteristics
Getting assessed and diagnosed
Support in education
Teaching and learning strategies
Related guidance

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What SpLD is

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) affect how individuals learn and process information in particular areas, such as reading, writing or numeracy.
 Unlike general learning difficulties, SpLDs impact specific skills while overall intelligence and ability remain average or above.

Early identification and targeted teaching can significantly improve confidence and progress.

Related guidance

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyspraxia
  • SEN Wellbeing
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    Common types of SpLD

    SpLD includes conditions such as:

    • Dyslexia – difficulties with reading and spelling

    • Dyscalculia – difficulties with understanding numbers and maths

    • Dysgraphia – difficulties with handwriting and written expression

    • Dyspraxia (DCD) – difficulties with coordination and motor planning

    • ADHD – sometimes grouped under SpLD due to its effect on learning focus

    Explore types of SpLD
    Learn about each specific learning difficulty and how it affects education.

    Signs and characteristics

    Children with SpLD may:

    • take longer to process written or verbal information

    • struggle to remember instructions or sequences

    • find reading, spelling or handwriting challenging

    • show inconsistent performance across subjects

    • experience frustration, low confidence or anxiety about schoolwork

    Check signs of SpLD
    Recognise common indicators of specific learning differences.

    Getting assessed and diagnosed

    Assessment is carried out by:

    • a specialist teacher or educational psychologist

    • standardised tests for literacy, numeracy, and processing

    • classroom observations and input from parents or teachers

    A formal report confirms the type of SpLD, strengths and recommended strategies.

    Find out how SpLDs are assessed and identified

    Support in education

    Support for SpLD may include:

    • small-group or one-to-one interventions

    • assistive technology (e.g. text-to-speech, spellcheckers, reading pens)

    • differentiated teaching and extended time in exams

    • visual learning materials and multi-sensory methods

    • regular feedback and confidence-building strategies

    An EHCP may be appropriate where SpLDs significantly affect learning.

    Read about SEN and SpLD support in schools

    Teaching and learning strategies

    Effective strategies include:

    • using multi-sensory teaching (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic)

    • teaching study and organisational skills

    • giving extra time for reading and writing tasks

    • encouraging self-advocacy and awareness of learning style

    External resources:

    NHS: Specific learning difficulties overview
    British Dyslexia Association

    Get support for SpLD

    Search for tutors, assessors and therapists who support students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and other specific learning difficulties.

    Find SEN and learning specialists near you