Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
This page gives you lots of information about Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including Dyslexia. For more information about ADHD, please see the dedicated ADHD page. This page will focus on Dyslexia, Dyspraxia/DCD and Dyscalculia. Click on the questions below for more information.
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What are Specific Learning Difficulties?
Specific Learning Difficulties (or SpLDs), affect the way information is learned and processed. They are neurological (rather than psychological), and usually run in families. They can have significant impact on education and learning and on the acquisition of literacy skills.
SpLD is an umbrella term used to cover a range of frequently co-occurring difficulties, more commonly:
SpLDs can also co-occur with difficulties on the autistic spectrum such as Asperger Syndrome.
Because of the high level of co-occurrence between different SpLDs, it is important to understand that each profile is unique to the individual and can appear in a variety of ways. The effects of a SpLD are different for every learner and range from mild to severe.
Thanks to the British Dyslexia Association for the definitions.
For more information about ADHD, please see the dedicated ADHD page. This page will focus on Dyslexia, Dyspraxia/DCD and Dyscalculia.
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What should I do if I am worried about my child?
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What help and support is available in Devon?
The Dyslexia Helpline is no longer open. However, Devon continues to acknowledge that there is a population of children and young people who experience significant difficulties with reading and/or spelling and that this can have a huge impact on their ability to access learning and on their social and emotional well-being. These children and young people need to be supported appropriately within their educational settings in line with the current SEND code of practice.
Please see our guidance which relates specifically to ways in which schools can offer suitable support to children and young people with reading and/or spelling difficulties. Parents can also use this information to inform and guide their conversations with schools. -
What do different professionals do to support a child with SpLD?
- What can I do as a parent carer to support a child with SpLD?
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What is the process for getting assessed for SpLD?
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Where can I get more information?
These websites are good places to look if you want to do some more research into Specific Learning Difficulties.
- British Dyslexia Association – aiming to promote a dyslexia friendly society, that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
- Babcock LDP Communication and Interaction Team – support for children and young people via their school.
- NHS – overview of Dyslexia
page updated 23/03/18
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