Cognition and learning difficulties can affect children’s ability to learn and do well at school. Specific learning difficulties (SpLD) include a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
Children who have needs in more than one of these areas are considered to have ‘complex needs’. A child may also be described as having ‘mild’ or ‘severe’ learning difficulties depending on the degree of need and the impact this has on their lives.
Types of learning difficulties
The term learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs
- Pupils with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) may need extra support in some areas of the curriculum.
- Those with severe learning difficulties (SLD) are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and have associated difficulties with mobility and communication.
- Pupils 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 for learning difficulties may be needed when children and young people learn at a slower pace than their peers.
Educational psychology
Our educational psychology service are here to help schools to support pupils with a wide range of needs, including cognition and learning.
The service have produced some guidance for young people about what an educational psychologist does.