Learning difficulties
Learning difficulties can affect how well someone can:
- process information
- use language
- perform mathematical calculations
- co-ordinate their movements
- focus on a task
A learning difficulty might mean that a child or young person needs more time to process information or instructions. They also may need extra help to complete certain tasks at school.
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
There are many types of learning difficulty, including dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. A person can have one, or a combination.
Some examples of Specific Learning Disabilities are:
- Dyslexia – difficulties with accurate and fluent word reading and spelling
- Dyscalculia – difficulties with counting, arithmetic and learning mathematical skills
- Dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder) – difficulties with fine and or gross motor skills coordination
Learning disabilities
A learning disability affects the way a person understands information and how they communicate. Learning disabilities can be mild, moderate, severe or profound. In all cases a learning disability is lifelong.
- Children and young people with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) may need extra support in some areas of the curriculum.
- Children and young people with severe learning difficulties (SLD) are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and have associated difficulties with mobility and communication.
- Children and young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment.
Support in Devon
Devon’s Learning Disability Team gives advice and support to professionals and families of children and young people with severe or profound learning disabilities. Email TSDFT.DevonSPA@nhs.net or call 0330 024 5321 and ask to speak to a duty member from the Learning Disability Team.
Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s service includes a number of specialist teams that can help support people with learning disabilities that are over 18 years old.
Useful websites
Find out more about learning disabilities on the NHS website.
The Learning Disability Devon website has been designed by people with a learning disability for people with a learning disability and contains lots of information to help you stay safe and well.