Specific Learning Disorders
Specific Learning Disorders - dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia.
When a child is struggling at school, it is natural to wonder why, and whether it is something more than just a tough year or a gap in teaching.
Learning difficulties can happen for many reasons: illness, missed opportunities, vision or hearing problems, or other life circumstances. But when a student is falling behind despite having access to learning and no other clear explanation, it may be time to consider whether a specific learning disorder is playing a role.
What Is a Specific Learning Disorder?
A specific learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to learn and use academic skills, such as reading, writing, spelling, or maths, even after they have had access to high-quality teaching and support.
These difficulties are persistent, unexpected, and not explained by things like intellectual disability, hearing or vision loss, or lack of opportunity.
To formally diagnose a learning disorder, we look for a pattern of academic challenges that:
Have lasted at least six months
Have not responded to tailored, evidence-based support
Show up clearly on standardised tests, when compared to what’s typical for the person’s age and educational level
The Role of Assessment
A comprehensive learning assessment helps us understand what is getting in the way of your child’s learning, and what might help.
We don’t just look at scores. We explore the full pattern of strengths and challenges to build a clear picture of how your child learns best.
This process typically includes:
An intellectual (IQ) assessment to understand how your child processes and thinks
Standardised tests of reading, writing, spelling, and maths
Observation and input from parents, teachers, or tutors
Additional testing if needed (e.g., attention, memory, anxiety) to rule out other explanations
Our goal is always the same: to identify the most helpful next steps, backed by evidence and tailored to your child.
Why Evidence-Based Intervention Matters
Many programs and products claim to “fix” learning difficulties, but not all of them are supported by research.
It’s important to work with professionals who understand the science behind learning and can guide you toward safe, effective, and helpful approaches.
Some commonly advertised treatments, like neurofeedback, tinted lenses, or visual perceptual training, have not been shown to improve academic outcomes for children with learning disorders.
If you're unsure about something you've read or been offered, we’re always happy to talk it through and help you understand what the research says.
If You’re Wondering What’s Going On
You are not alone in this. Many families come to us after months or years of uncertainty, wondering why learning feels so much harder than it should.
Assessment is not just about getting a diagnosis. It’s about understanding your child’s learning profile and finding the right tools, supports, and strategies to help them move forward with confidence.
If you’d like to know more about learning assessments, please get in touch with us using the contact form on this site. We’re here when you’re ready.
