Many people visit this website for different reasons — maybe you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend, or carer. Sometimes you might notice something about a child, teenager, or adult you know and wonder,
“Why are they struggling with this?” or “Could something else be going on?”
You’re not alone in asking these questions — and learning more is the first step toward understanding and support.
💡 What Is a Learning Disability or Developmental Difference?
A learning disability means that a person’s brain processes information differently.
It’s not about intelligence — it’s about how the person learns, remembers, and understands things.
Common examples include:
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Dyslexia: reading and writing difficulties
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Dyspraxia (DCD): coordination and motor planning difficulties
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Dyscalculia: struggles with maths and numbers
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Dysgraphia: difficulties with handwriting and written expression
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Autism: differences in communication, social understanding, and sensory processing
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ADHD: difficulties with attention, focus, and impulse control
Sometimes, people may also have mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood changes, which can appear alongside these learning differences — especially if their struggles have gone unnoticed or misunderstood.
🧩 Common Signs to Look For
These signs can appear at any age — not just in childhood.
| Area | Possible Signs |
|---|---|
| Learning / Understanding | Difficulty remembering instructions, learning letters or numbers, or following directions |
| Speech & Communication | Late talking, trouble explaining thoughts, repeating phrases, or not understanding tone or jokes |
| Reading & Writing | Slow reading, confusing similar words, trouble spelling, or avoiding reading aloud |
| Maths & Numbers | Struggling with counting, telling time, money, or understanding number patterns |
| Motor Skills | Trouble with shoelaces, handwriting, catching a ball, or balance |
| Attention & Focus | Easily distracted, forgetful, or often losing items |
| Social & Emotional | Finds friendships hard, avoids group play, gets upset easily, or shows frustration and anxiety |
| Daily Living Skills | Finds routines, dressing, or organisation very difficult, even with reminders |
💬 If You Notice These Signs
If you’re worried about someone you know:
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Gently talk with their parent, carer, or teacher.
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Encourage them to ask for an assessment — such as a developmental check or educational evaluation.
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Remind them that early help can make life easier and build confidence.
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Suggest they speak to their GP, paediatrician, or school counsellor.
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Share resources or supportive websites — sometimes that’s the first step!
❤️ Remember
Everyone learns and thinks in different ways.
Understanding these differences can change lives — not just for the person with the condition, but for their whole family.
By learning the signs, sharing what you know, and offering support, you are helping create awareness, understanding, and inclusion for everyone.
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