A specific learning difficulty (SpLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition which can occur across a range of intellectual abilities.
Specific learning difficulties can be broadly identified into three areas:
Due to efforts to mask their differences, children and young people with specific learning difficulties are often incredibly quick-witted, and creative, developing great skills in problem-solving. However, the earlier their difference can be identified, the quicker they can access support to help lessen any impact on their education or mental health.
With appropriate support and understanding, specific learning difficulties can become more manageable and children and young people can thrive.
Severe and persistent literacy difficulties (SPLD), more commonly known as Dyslexia, means that children or young people have trouble connecting letters they see on a page with the sounds that they make. As a result, reading becomes slow, hesitant and hard work.
Young children may have difficulties with phonics, even before they start to read. For example, difficulties breaking down spoken words into syllables and recognising words that rhyme. They may not recognise and write letters as well as their peers and have difficulty with the accuracy and fluency of reading and spelling.
Children and young people with dyslexia often try to avoid activities involving reading when they can, favouring pictures, video or audio to written instructions. If unable to access appropriate tasks, they may become disruptive in class and find it difficult to complete the same amount of work as their peers.
Dyscalculia is a term used to describe persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a range of problems with mathematics and understanding numbers outside of the classroom. It can occur across all age ranges and abilities.
For some, it might affect how they see numbers, while other young people may find reading symbols difficult, or might find using finance and numbers in everyday life a challenge.
Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty that affects the ability to produce written language. It may be noticed as difficulties with spelling, or trouble putting thoughts on paper, with people often finding it challenging to interpret sounds of language into written form. Words could be ordered incorrectly, or missing, with verbs and pronouns formed incorrectly.
People with dysgraphia can often articulate themselves much more fluently in speech than in writing, and can affect young people of any age and ability.
Help at School
If you are concerned and believe your child would benefit from additional support then your first step should be to consult your child's teacher or the school's Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) to discuss your concerns.
The SENDCo may decide to carry out a screening test, or checklist to find out more about your child's areas of strength and weakness to see how they can be best supported in the classroom. This is called SEND Support. The results can be used to decide if extra help is required to make progress and if so, what type of help is needed.
Examples of support include:
Find out more about SEND support at school
Libraries
Libraries are a welcoming space for children, young people and their families. Many have dedicated areas for children and young people with literacy needs.
The staff at the library will be able to signpost help and support locally while supplying Barrington Stokes literature. These books include themes with high interest levels (e.g. age 12) and lower literacy levels (e.g. reading age of 6) which are shown discreetly on the back of the book. They also have books in bigger or easier-to-read fonts, coloured pages and audiobooks to make reading more accessible.
Activities at home
Playing word and number games at home is a practical way to support your child's learning.
Number activities include:
Reading activities to try include:
Writing activities include:
Screening & Support
Children do not have to be diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty to get support. Services across Norfolk and Suffolk are available to help children and young people with literacy, numeracy and writing without the requirement of a diagnosis.
The SENDCo at your child's school or setting may decide to carry out a screening test, or checklist to find out more about your child's areas of strength and weakness to see how they can be best supported in the classroom. This is called SEND Support.
If SEND support is not enough to meet your child's needs, the school SENDCo may suggest an education, health and care needs assessment (EHCNA) to see whether they are eligible for an education, health and care plan (EHCP). If your young person is over 16 years old, they can request one themselves.
Diagnostic Assessments
The NHS does not provide assessments for specific learning difficulties as they are not considered a medical condition, but rather a learning difficulty. Diagnostic assessments for SpLD are carried out by specialists, for example, a certified dyslexia assessor or an educational psychologist.
If there are still concerns about your child's progress after they have received additional SEND Support, you can request a diagnostic assessment. Ask your school to refer your child for an assessment by a local authority educational psychologist or specialist in specific learning difficulties. Private diagnostic assessments are also available for a fee. Find out more about assessments locally from your regional psychological support services, including help arranging an assessment.
In Norfolk
Contact the Norfolk Educational Psychology and Specialist Support Service (EPSS) who work with young people in schools, nurseries and children's centres. The team work collaboratively with parents, families, SENDCOs, teachers, paediatricians, speech and language therapists and others to maximise life opportunities for children and young people.
Find the Norfolk Educational Psychology and Specialist Support Service here
In Suffolk
Contact Psychology and Therapeutic Services (P&TS) who work with children and young people from 0-25 years. The team work with educational psychologists and other professionals to assess and support children with learning difficulties and other educational needs.
Let us know what you think!
We've been working together in Norfolk and Waveney with families and professionals to put together information, advice and resources that are helpful to families. Let us know what you think, and anything we could change or add to make it even better.
If you live in Norfolk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
If you live in Waveney
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
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Despite scientists and healthcare professionals knowing more about dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia than ever, there are still some common misconceptions. 
Some famous figures who have specific learning difficulties have accomplished great things and have had successful careers. 
