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What is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)

SpLD stands for Specific Learning Difficulty. It refers to a difference in how a person processes certain types of information, which can affect learning and everyday skills. SpLDs are neurological in origin and typically affect particular areas, such as reading, writing, memory or coordination.

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Examples of SpLDs include:

  • Dyslexia (difficulties with reading and spelling)

  • Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) (motor coordination difficulties)

  • Dyscalculia (difficulties with maths)

  • ADHD/ADD (attention difficulties)
     

Each SpLD affects individuals differently and many people may experience more than one area of difficulty. Early identification and personalised support can help learners develop strategies to overcome these challenges and achieve success.

What is dyslexia?

At Flourish Dyslexia, we follow the most up-to-date definition of dyslexia as outlined in the Dyslexia Delphi Study (2024):
 

  • Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.

  • In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments.

  • Across all languages, difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are key markers of dyslexia.

  • Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity.

  • The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depends on multiple genetic and environmental influences.

  • Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language.

  • The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (i.e., in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed.

  • Working memory, processing speed and orthographic skills can contribute to the impact of dyslexia.

  • Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulties, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.

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