In the UK, terms such as specific learning difficulty (SpLD), developmental dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder and dyscalculia are used to cover the range of learning difficulties referred to in the United States as learning disabilities.

What is considered a learning disability in the UK?

A learning disability is defined by the Department of Health as a “significant reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning), which started before adulthood”.

What are the most common learning disabilities in the UK?

Dyslexia is the most commonly known learning difficulty. It affects both written and spoken language. It occurs due to difficulty with processing information, visual and auditory perceptual skills, short term memory as well as concentration and organisation.

What are the 5 types of learning disabilities?

“Learning Disabilities” is an “umbrella” term describing a number of other, more specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia .Types of Learning DisabilitiesDyscalculia. Dysgraphia. Dyslexia. Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities. Oral / Written Language Disorder and Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit.

Is dyspraxia a learning disability UK?

If you google the term “dyspraxia” you may see it described as a “motor learning disability.” Its often called this in the U.K. and other countries. Dyspraxia affects the use of muscles. Different types of dyspraxia can affect writing, speech and other movements involved in learning.

Who can diagnose learning disabilities UK?

However, a formal diagnosis of learning disability is made by trained personnel from specialist Paediatric or Neurodevelopmental services, for example a Paediatrician or a Clinical or Educational Psychologist, using standardised assessments that they have been trained to administer.

What is the most common disability in children in the UK?

Incidence of learning disabilities are most common amongst younger boys. It is estimated that there are 286,000 children (180,000 boys, 106,000 girls) age 0-17 in the UK with a learning disability.

At what age is a learning disability diagnosed?

Support for learning disabilities and family carers Some learning disabilities are diagnosed at birth, such as Downs syndrome. Others might not be discovered until the child is old enough to talk or walk.