What Is a Specific Learning Disorder?

A specific learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person learns and uses academic skills. It is characterised by persistent difficulties with reading, writing, or mathematics, which may become apparent during the school years and continue into adulthood.

In this blog, we explain what a specific learning disorder is, how it may present in children and adults, and how it is identified. We also explore what happens during an assessment and the support and interventions that may be recommended

What Is a Specific Learning Disorder?

A Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a clinically recognised condition involving difficulties in learning and applying academic skills. These difficulties cannot be explained by factors such as intellectual disability or a lack of learning opportunities.

A specific learning disorder also does not indicate a person's overall intellectual ability. This is an important distinction, as difficulties with academic skills do not necessarily mean a person has lower intelligence.

SLD can affect three primary academic skill areas:

• Dyslexia: Difficulty with accurate or fluent word recognition, decoding, and spelling

• Dysgraphia: Difficulty with written expression, including handwriting, spelling, and organising written language

• Dyscalculia: Difficulty with number sense and carrying out calculations.

Common Signs of a Specific Learning Disorder

Signs of a specific learning disorder can vary from person to person. They may be subtle or more pronounced, and they often differ depending on the area of difficulty involved.

Some commonly observed signs include:

• Persistent difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency, or comprehension

• Struggles with spelling that do not improve with practice or repeated exposure

• Difficulty expressing thoughts in writing, regardless of verbal ability

• Challenges understanding numerical concepts or performing calculations

• Avoidance of tasks that involve reading, writing, or maths

• Difficulty following written instructions or organising written work

Experiencing one or two of these signs does not confirm a specific learning disorder. Many factors can affect learning at different points in life. A thorough assessment by a qualified psychologist can help determine what may be contributing to these difficulties.

Diagnostic Criteria for Specific Learning Disorders

A registered psychologist carries out diagnosis through a comprehensive assessment process. This process examines cognitive ability, academic performance, and a range of other factors to build a clear and individualised picture of how a person processes and acquires information.

SLD is diagnosed based on several criteria:

• Difficulties with academic skills have persisted, despite targeted interventions for a six-month period

• The affected academic skills are below what would be expected for the person’s age and interfere with school, work, or everyday activities.

• Difficulties began at schooling age, even if they were not noticed until adulthood.

• Difficulties are not better explained by other conditions, such as intellectual disability, vision or hearing problems, or other relevant factors.

Understanding Difficulties in Children

Specific learning disorders can affect children in different ways, depending on the academic skills involved. Some may have ongoing difficulty with reading, including decoding words, reading fluently, or understanding written text.

Others may struggle with spelling, handwriting, or organising their thoughts in writing. Difficulties with numbers, calculations, or mathematical reasoning can also occur.

These challenges may become noticeable at school, where children are expected to develop and use these skills alongside their peers. Some children may also experience attention difficulties or other co-occurring conditions that can affect their learning.

Understanding the specific areas in which a child is struggling can help provide a clearer picture of their learning needs and guide appropriate support.

Understanding Difficulties as an Adult

Not everyone who has a specific learning disorder is identified during their school years. For some adults, looking back on their time at school may bring memories of struggling to understand written text, translate their thoughts into writing, or work with numbers. These difficulties may have been viewed as a lack of effort or ability, or simply disorganisation, rather than being recognised as possible signs of an underlying learning disorder.

For some people, recognising a specific learning disorder in adulthood can help explain experiences that were difficult to understand during their school years. It may offer a clearer perspective on why reading, writing, or mathematics felt more challenging and help put those experiences into context.

What a Specific Learning Disorder Assessment Includes 

A thorough assessment uses a range of evidence-based tools and clinical methods to develop a detailed understanding of each individual’s learning profile.

The assessment process may include:

• Cognitive ability testing to assess areas such as verbal reasoning, working memory, and processing speed

• Academic achievement testing to assess strengths and difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics

• Executive function assessment to explore areas such as attention, planning, and cognitive flexibility when relevant

• Clinical interviews to gather developmental, educational, psychological, and relevant background information

• Behavioural and emotional questionnaires to identify any co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or anxiety

What Happens After a Specific Learning Disorder Assessment?

After the assessment, if an individual is diagnosed with a specific learning disorder, the results can help identify their areas of strength and difficulty and guide recommendations for appropriate support.

Depending on the individual’s needs, this may include targeted interventions to develop specific academic skills, along with strategies or accommodations to make learning and completing tasks more manageable.

Key Takeaways

A specific learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the acquisition and use of academic skills. It can present in different ways and may go unrecognised for years. Understanding the reasons behind these difficulties can provide clarity and help identify the right support and strategies.

If you or your child has been navigating longstanding difficulties with reading, writing, or mathematics, seeking a learning difficulties assessment is a meaningful step forward. At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, our caring and supportive team of registered psychologists is here to help you understand your learning profile and move forward with clarity and confidence. Book an assessment today.