Some people have a particular difficulty in acquiring literacy skills (the ability to read, write and spell) so they can find it very difficult to read, write and spell accurately and fluently at the level expected for their age.
Some people have difficulty acquiring mathematical skills and some people have difficulty with both literacy and mathematics.
These are sometimes collectively referred to as ‘specific learning difficulties’ or SpLD.
.What are literacy difficulties (including dyslexia)?
Some people have a particular difficulty in acquiring literacy skills (the ability to read, write and spell) so they can find it very difficult to read, write and spell accurately and fluently at the level expected for their age.
People with a specific literacy difficulty sometimes have difficulty with:
- Phonological awareness (the ability to identify the small units of sound in a spoken word e.g. the ‘p’ sound in ‘pat’)
- Short-term verbal memory
- Verbal processing speed (the time it takes to process information such as letters and digits)
Some people with a SpLD are identified as having dyslexia but whether or not the person’s difficulties are called SpLD, dyslexia or literacy difficulties the support they will need will depend on their own particular range of strengths and needs.
With the right type and level of support, children with specific literacy difficulties including dyslexia can learn strategies that can help them draw on their strengths and go on to lead full and successful lives. Research indicates that highly structured and systematic interventions with a strong emphasis on phonological awareness and phonics as part of a broad range of reading and writing activities in small groups or individually can significantly reduce the number of children later considered to have literacy difficulties.
What should I do if I am concerned about my child?
If you concerned about your child’s development, you should first speak to their teacher, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCO) or Inclusion Manager.
They will work with you and the relevant professionals to identify what the particular barriers are and develop appropriate interventions.