Specific Learning Difficulty

Short definitions of key conditions

ADHD

A neurodevelopmental condition involving difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder; a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behaviour.

DCD

Developmental Coordination Disorder; affects motor coordination and movement planning.

DLD

Developmental Language Disorder; impacts understanding and using spoken language.

Dyscalculia

A learning difference involving challenges understanding numbers and mathematical concepts.

Dyslexia

A learning difference affecting reading, spelling, and language processing.

FAS

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; caused by prenatal alcohol exposure leading to physical, developmental, and cognitive difficulties.

Intellectual disability

A condition involving limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, originating before adulthood.

OCD

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder; involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions).

PDA

Pathological Demand Avoidance; characterised by extreme avoidance of everyday demands and high anxiety (within the autism profile).


Learn more about each specific learning difficulty