What Is a SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty)?
What Is a SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty)?
If you’ve spent any time in the world of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), you’ll know that the acronyms come thick and fast. EHCP, SALT, ASD, OT… sometimes I find myself mid-sentence and realise the person I’m talking to is looking at me like I’ve suddenly switched to Klingon.
I then have to rewind, decode, and reword, which makes my “quick” explanation much longer than planned!
So, without further ado, this week I’m exploring one of those mysterious little acronyms: SpLD- Specific Learning Difficulty.
So, what is a SpLD?
A Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) is a type of learning need that affects one or more specific areas of learning, like reading, writing, spelling, maths, or coordination, while other areas remain unaffected.
It’s different from a general learning difficulty, which affects learning across the board. Children with SpLDs often have average or above-average intelligence but may struggle significantly with tasks that seem “basic” to others.
SpLD is a broad umbrella term, and some of the most recognised SpLDs include:
• Dyslexia - difficulties with reading, spelling and phonological processing
• Dyscalculia - difficulties with numbers, sequencing and mathematical understanding
• Dysgraphia - difficulties with handwriting and organising thoughts in writing
• Dyspraxia (DCD: Developmental Coordination Disorder) - difficulties with motor skills, coordination, and planning
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - not officially classified as a SpLD in the UK, but it often co-occurs with them and can significantly affect learning. Children with ADHD may struggle with attention, memory, organisation and processing and may need support similar to those with SpLDs, but it often overlaps and affects attention, memory and processing
These conditions are lifelong and often require a tailored approach to learning. It’s also very common for children to have more than one SpLD, or a SpLD alongside other additional needs.
SpLDs and the Neurodiversity Umbrella
SpLDs can be considered part of the neurodiversity umbrella, a term that describes the natural variation in how human brains think, learn, and process information.
Neurodiversity includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others. Rather than viewing these as “disorders” to be fixed, the neurodiversity perspective recognises them as differences, with strengths and challenges, just like any other way of thinking.
So while terms like ‘dyslexia’ or ‘dyspraxia’ might sound medical or formal, they’re really just helpful ways of understanding how someone learns best, and how we can support them to thrive.
A Little History…
SpLDs aren’t new, even if the language around them has changed over time.
• Dyslexia was first identified in the 1880s by German physician Rudolf Berlin, who described it as “word blindness.”
• It wasn’t until the 1980s and 90s that SpLDs gained more formal recognition in UK schools, largely due to research, campaigning, and greater awareness among parents and professionals.
• The SEND Code of Practice (2015), which guides all schools and local authorities in England, lists SpLDs under the category of Cognition and Learning. Schools are required to identify these needs and put support in place, regardless of whether there has been a formal diagnosis.
How Common Are SpLDs?
SpLDs are more common than many people realise. According to national estimates:
• Around 10% of the population is thought to have dyslexia, with 4% severely affected (British Dyslexia Association)
• 5-6% may have dyspraxia or DCD (Dyspraxia Foundation)
• 3-6% of people are thought to have dyscalculia (UCL research)
• ADHD affects about 3-5% of children (NICE, NHS)
Overlapping diagnoses are also common. For example, a child may have both dyslexia and dyspraxia, or ADHD and dyscalculia, and this can sometimes make it harder to pinpoint the exact nature of their learning difficulties.
How Are SpLDs Assessed?
If you’re concerned your child may have an SpLD, the first step is to speak to their class teacher or the school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). You can share your observations and ask if staff have noticed similar patterns in school.
Possible signs include:
• Struggles with reading or spelling
• Poor number sense or trouble remembering maths facts
• Messy or slow handwriting
• Difficulty planning and organising tasks
• Forgetting instructions
• Appearing bright, but falling behind academically
A full assessment is typically carried out by a specialist teacher (often with AMBDA accreditation) or an educational psychologist. These assessments explore your child’s learning profile, strengths and difficulties, using a combination of testing, observation, and background information.
Some schools and local authorities can arrange this, or you may choose to go down the private route, especially if you’re looking for faster answers or a second opinion.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a SpLD?
1. Speak to the school SENCO - open the conversation and ask about existing support
2. Keep a log - note anything you’re seeing at home, including strengths and areas of struggle
3. Explore support options - children don’t need a diagnosis to receive help through SEN Support
4. Consider an assessment - especially if challenges are persistent and impacting confidence or progress
5. Reach out for advice - navigating this can feel like a maze, but you don’t have to do it alone
Final Thoughts
Having a Specific Learning Difficulty doesn’t mean a child isn’t clever, capable, or full of potential; it simply means they learn differently. And that difference deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated.
At SEND Meadow, I’m here to help decode the acronyms, simplify the systems, and support families to feel informed and empowered. If you’re feeling unsure about how to move forward, whether it’s understanding assessment routes, exploring EHCP options, or just untangling the jargon, get in touch.
Until next time,
Bryony
Parent, advisor, and passionate SEND decoder!