Specific Learning Difficulties
Research shows that as many as 9 per cent 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.
People may have trouble finding the right words to express their ideas and experience difficulties in understanding other people's use of language. SPLD's may affect a person's ability to interact socially and to understand other people's feelings and emotions. They 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 - challenges with reading and spelling
- Dyspraxia (developmental co-ordination disorder) - challenges with fine and/or gross motor skills
- Asperger's Syndrome - challenges with social and communication skills
- Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) - challenges with attention and concentration
The 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 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, exam techniques and exam revision.
A complete set of these factsheets can be purchased for a small fee. Please telephone Denise Richardson on 01 885 1386, or by email at assessmentservice@nln.ie for further information.