A specific learning difficulty (SpLD) is an umbrella term for several conditions, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and dyscalculia. Often, an individual can have more than one specific learning difficulty, and everyone’s profile of strengths and challenges will present differently.
It is important to distinguish specific learning difficulties from general learning difficulties. While general learning difficulties tend to impair most areas of cognitive function, SpLDs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD typically affect only a small number of areas, and the individual often has typical functioning in other areas. This is why people with SpLDs are often described as having a “spiky profile”. For example, they may have strengths in areas such as maths or verbal abilities, but their contrasting weaknesses in processing speed or reading skills may pose challenges when trying to express and demonstrate their ideas.