What are Specific Learning Disabilities? What are their types?

Every child learns in their own unique way. Some children process information differently, which may not align with traditional educational methods. These variations are known as Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs). Recognizing and supporting these differences can empower children to thrive academically and personally. Watch Remedial Education Specialist, Ms. Farida Raj talk about Specific Learning Disabilities and the various ways it can pose difficulty with learning in a child.

What are Specific Learning Disabilities?

Specific Learning Disabilities are lifelong neurological variations that affect how children process information. They are not indicative of intelligence levels but rather reflect diverse information processing styles. Embracing these differences through a neuro-affirming lens allows us to appreciate the strengths and concerns each child brings to the learning environment.

Types of Specific Learning Disabilities

• Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that involves unique ways of processing language, especially in reading, spelling, and writing. Children with dyslexia may approach written language differently, which can influence how fluently they read or spell. These differences are related to how the brain interprets symbols and sounds, not to intelligence or motivation.

Common signs of Dyslexia:

• Difficulty noticing and playing with sounds in words (phonemic awareness)
• Finding it hard to connect letters with their sounds or decode new words
• Reading may feel slower or take more effort
• Preference to avoid reading-heavy activities due to past frustration

Supportive strategies:

• Structured literacy programs that build reading skills step by step (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, phonics-based approaches)
• Multisensory learning methods that include visual, auditory, and tactile elements
• Assistive tools such as audiobooks or text-to-speech apps
• Allowing extra time or reducing pressure in reading and writing tasks

When learning is approached with patience and the right tools, children with dyslexia often discover their own unique ways of thriving with language.

• Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning difference that affects how a child writes. This can include things like messy handwriting, difficulty with spelling, or trouble putting thoughts down on paper in an organized way. It’s not about how smart or creative a child is, many children with dysgraphia are great storytellers or thinkers. It just means their brain finds it harder to manage writing tasks, often because of how their fine motor skills (small hand movements) work.

Common signs of Dysgraphia:

• Handwriting that’s hard to read, with irregular spacing or letter sizes
• Struggling to get ideas on paper in an organized way
• Feeling tired or frustrated during long writing tasks
• Avoiding writing activities even when the person has rich ideas to share

Supportive strategies:

• Occupational therapy to strengthen hand coordination and writing comfort
• Using speech-to-text tools or typing as alternatives to handwriting
• Offering structured writing supports like graphic organizers or templates
• Breaking writing into small, manageable steps with support along the way
  

People with dysgraphia often have vivid ideas and strong verbal skills. With the right support, they can express themselves in ways that work best for them.

• Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning difference that affects how a child understands and works with numbers. A child with dyscalculia might find it hard to learn basic math facts, tell time, or follow the steps in a math problem. They might also find patterns and number-related tasks confusing. This doesn’t mean the child isn’t smart, it just means their brain processes numbers differently. With the right support, they can learn math in a way that works for them.

Common signs of Dyscalculia:

• Difficulty understanding number sense (such as quantity, order, or comparisons)
• Struggles with performing basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
• Finding it hard to recall math facts, like times tables, even after repeated practice
• Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or discouraged during math-related tasks
  

Supportive strategies:

• Using visual tools, charts, and hands-on materials (like blocks or beads) to make math more tangible
• Breaking down math tasks into smaller steps with clear, consistent instructions
• Connecting math to real-life contexts (e.g., cooking, shopping, games) to enhance understanding
• Encouraging a growth mindset, celebrating progress, and offering reassurance to reduce math-related stress
  

People with dyscalculia often shine in creative, verbal, or visual fields. When math is taught in ways that align with their learning style, they can engage meaningfully and successfully with numbers too.

• Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), affects how a child plans and carries out physical movements. This might show up as clumsiness, trouble with balance, or difficulty doing tasks like buttoning a shirt, writing neatly, or catching a ball. It can also make it hard to remember and follow physical steps in the right order. It’s not because the child isn’t trying or isn’t capable, it’s simply that their brain and body need more time and support to work together smoothly.

Common signs of Dyspraxia:

• Appearing clumsy or experiencing frequent bumps and spills
• Difficulty with tasks like buttoning clothes, tying shoelaces, or using cutlery
• Challenges with handwriting, drawing, or physical activities like cycling or catching a ball
• Heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, or movement (often overlapping with sensory processing differences)

Supportive strategies:

• Occupational and physical therapy that focuses on building coordination in fun, supportive ways
• Breaking activities into smaller, clear steps and offering visual or verbal guidance
• Providing extra time and a calm pace for tasks involving motor planning
• Creating inclusive, low-pressure environments where the child can explore movement without fear of judgment or overwhelm

With the right kind of encouragement and understanding, children with dyspraxia can build confidence and independence in their own time and way. Many go on to excel in creative, problem-solving, or compassionate roles that celebrate their unique perspective.

Embracing neurodiversity

Understanding and accepting Specific Learning Differences is crucial in fostering an inclusive environment where all learners can succeed. By recognizing the unique strengths and challenges of children with SLDs, we move towards a more equitable educational system that values diversity in learning styles.

Key principles:

• Early identification: Recognizing signs of SLDs early allows for timely support and intervention.
• Specialised support: Tailoring strategies to each child’s needs promotes effective learning.
• Positive reinforcement: Encouragement and recognition of achievements build self-esteem and motivation.
• Collaboration: Involving educators, families, and specialists ensures comprehensive support.

Specific Learning Differences are natural variations in how children process information. By adopting a neuroaffirming approach, we can create supportive environments that recognize and nurture the diverse ways in which people learn. Embracing neurodiversity not only benefits children with SLDs but enriches our communities by valuing the unique contributions of every learner.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for proper guidance. 

Take a moment to also explore and learn more these Learning Disabilities such as Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.