Dyslexia & other SpLDs
What Are SpLDs?
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) refer to a group of conditions that impact how individuals process and retain information. They affect different areas of learning and development, yet they are not indicative of intelligence or potential. Below are brief descriptions of some common SpLDs and their traits:
1. Dyslexia
Dyslexia primarily affects skills involved in reading, spelling, and writing. It can make decoding words, understanding written text, and organising ideas more challenging. However, many individuals with dyslexia display strengths in creative thinking, problem-solving, and verbal communication.
2. Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Dyspraxia affects coordination, movement, and motor skills. It can also impact organisational skills, handwriting, and sequencing tasks. Individuals with dyspraxia may struggle with activities requiring precision, but often exhibit strengths in perseverance and creative expression.
3. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is characterised by difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Children and adults with ADHD may find it challenging to stay organised or complete tasks, but often have high energy levels, creativity, and the ability to think outside the box.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavioural patterns. People with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues or managing sensory overload, but often excel in areas such as attention to detail, memory, or technical skills.
Overlapping Traits of SpLDs
It’s common for SpLDs to overlap, meaning an individual may experience characteristics of more than one condition. For example:
A child with dyslexia might also have ADHD, affecting their ability to focus during reading tasks.
Dyspraxia can co-occur with autism, combining challenges in motor coordination with social communication difficulties.
Similar traits, like difficulty processing information or organising tasks, may appear across multiple SpLDs.
Understanding these overlaps is crucial to providing targeted and holistic support.
How Dyslexia Affects Learning
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily impacts language processing. Here are some of the ways it can affect learning:
1. Reading Challenges
Difficulty decoding words or recognising familiar ones.
Reading can be slow and require significant effort, affecting comprehension and fluency.
2. Writing and Spelling
Spelling can be inconsistent, even for familiar words.
Writing may lack structure or clarity due to challenges in organising ideas.
Handwriting can be difficult to read, particularly if fine motor skills are also affected.
3. Processing and Memory
Delays in processing verbal or written instructions.
Difficulty remembering sequences, such as the order of letters in a word.
Dyslexia and Intelligence
It’s essential to understand that dyslexia is not related to intelligence levels. Many individuals with dyslexia are highly creative, innovative thinkers who excel in areas like problem-solving, oral communication, and visual reasoning.
With the right support — such as structured literacy programs, multisensory teaching methods, and tailored accommodations — learners with dyslexia can thrive academically and personally.
By recognising the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with SpLDs, we can create a supportive learning environment that nurtures their potential.
For further information:
https://www.patoss-dyslexia.org/