An introduction to learning difficulties

If you’re a parent worried about your child’s learning, you’re far from alone. Maybe you’ve noticed they struggle to keep up with their classmates, or that reading or simple maths problems feel like climbing a mountain. Perhaps you’ve wondered if it’s just a phase, something they’ll grow out of, or if it’s something more.

It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of the student population in Australia may have a learning disability – a disorder which inhibits a child’s ability to process and retain information. The different types of learning disabilities can vary dramatically, and children can have just one or a cluster of different disorders affecting them in the classroom.

The different types of learning disabilities can vary dramatically, and children can have just one or a cluster of different disorders affecting them in the classroom.

TYPES OF LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Learning difficulties aren’t one-size- fits-all. They show up in different ways, often affecting specific areas like reading, maths, or focus, which can be confusing for parents. Here’s a rundown of the most common types, along with some of the signs to look for to help you identify what’s going on:

DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia is the most well-known and common learning disability affecting a student’s ability to read and comprehend a text. According to the Australian Dyslexia Association, dyslexia and reading difficulties are experienced on a continuum from mild to severe and no two are alike. The central difficulty for a student with dyslexia is to convert letter symbols to their correct sound (decode) and convert sounds to their correct written symbol (spell). Students with dyslexia may also struggle with fluency, spelling, general comprehension and more.

What to watch for:

• Difficulty sounding out words or recognising common words
• Mixing up letters or reversing them when reading or writing
• Trouble following sequences or rhyming
• Avoidance of reading and expressing frustration with language-based tasks

DYSGRAPHIA

Dysgraphia is defined as a persistent difficulty with written expression, handwriting and/or spelling. There can be issues with the mechanical aspects of writing causing it to be a tiring, difficult process for the student. Dysgraphia can also present as difficulty with written expression disrupting the ability to organise thoughts coherently on paper. It may also cause students to struggle with basic sentence structure and grammatical awareness.

What to watch for:

• Poor, often illegible handwriting
• Inconsistent spacing, sizing, or alignment of letters
• Frequent grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors despite lots of practice
• Slow, laboured writing and complaints about hand pain during writing tasks

DYCALCULIA

According to Auspeld (auspled.org.au) children with dyscalculia have trouble understanding numbers, learning
how to manipulate numbers, learning mathematical facts, and a number of other related difficulties. Students with maths disorders may find it hard to do basic number calculations or they may have difficulty with concepts like time and measurement.

What to watch for:

• Difficulty with counting, recognising numbers, or understanding maths symbols
• Struggles with basic addition, subtraction, and times tables
• Trouble with spatial organisation and direction, like telling left from right
• Avoidance of maths-related games or activities

ADHD: ATTENTION AND FOCUS CHALLENGES

While ADHD isn’t a learning difficulty in the traditional sense, it often coexists with them, making it harder for kids to concentrate, sit still, or follow through on multi-step tasks. ADHD can impact a child’s ability to organise their schoolwork, follow instructions, and manage time effectively, often causing stress in a classroom setting.

What to watch for:

• Frequent daydreaming or zoning out during tasks
• Fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, and restlessness
• Problems with time management, forgetting steps, or leaving things incomplete
• Frequent blurting out or difficulty waiting their turn in conversation or activities

AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (APD): TROUBLE PROCESSING SOUNDS

With APD, kids can hear just fine, but processing what they’re hearing can be a challenge. This can affect their understanding of language, especially in noisy environments, and lead to delays in responding. APD can also make it hard to follow verbal instructions or pick up on subtle language cues.

What to watch for:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves or saying “What?” even after hearing something clearly
• Trouble following spoken directions, especially if they’re lengthy or complex
• Easily distracted by background noises
• Difficulty with reading, spelling, and understanding language-based humour or idioms

NONVERBAL LEARNING DISORDER (NVLD): TROUBLE WITH VISUAL-SPATIAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS

NVLD can make it hard for kids to understand visual-spatial relationships and non-verbal cues like body language. While kids with NVLD may excel at reading or rote memorisation, they may struggle with interpreting social situations, organising tasks, or understanding concepts that aren’t verbally explained.

What to watch for:

• Struggles with puzzles, drawing, or assembling things
• Poor coordination or frequent clumsiness
• Difficulty reading social cues, like body language or facial expressions
• Trouble with maths, particularly geometry and word problems