Specific Learning Difficulties

Research shows that as many as 9% of the population in Ireland may have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SPLD). Many people are diagnosed as having Dyslexia, which impacts on one or more of the basic processes involved in using or understanding written or spoken language.

In fact there is much overlap between the different SPLDs, leading to people having trouble finding the right words to express their ideas and experiencing difficulties in understanding other people's use of language. They may affect a person's ability to interact socially and to understand other people's feelings and emotions. SPLD's can also impact on a person's motor skills and can cause difficulty in undertaking many normal everyday tasks, to varying degrees.

Specific Learning Difficulties include:

• Dyslexia: reading and spelling.
• Dyspraxia (Developmental Co-ordination Disorder): fine and/or gross motor skills.
• Asperger's Syndrome: social and communication skills.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD): attention and concentration. 

National Learning Network Assessment Service has produced a number of fact sheets focusing on Specific Learning Difficulties. Please click on the link below to download a copy of these fact sheets.

What is Asperger's Syndrome?
What is Adult Developmental Co-ordination Disorder?
What is Adult Dyslexia?
What is ADHD?

The factsheets are in pdf format which can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader you can download it for free here.

National Learning Network Assessment Service has also produced a range of other helpful factsheets that focus on topics such as study skills, learning styles, organisational strategies, tips for taking notes in lectures, etc.

A complete set of the factsheets can be purchased from the National Learning Network Assessment Service for a small fee. Please telephone Denise Richardson on (01) 885 1386, or by email: assessmentservice@nln.ie for further information.