learning difficulties
Cognitive processing obstacles
Learning difficulties refers to conditions that affect how someone acquires, processes, or retains information—dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and similar challenges.
The term is broader and often preferred in British English over the American "learning disabilities." It emphasizes difficulty rather than inability: My son has learning difficulties but excels in art.
The plural form predominates even when referring to a single condition.
Difficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dysgraphiaImpaired ability to write
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
- processing speedMental information-handling rate
executive function · working memory · attention deficit · comprehension · visual processing · language disorder · dyspraxia · cognitive load
Adapted instruction for disabilities
- IEPPersonalized learning accommodation document
- remedialIntended to fix problems
- tutoringIndividual academic guidance
- phonicsSound-based reading instruction
literacy · numeracy · assessment · achievement gap · resource room · early intervention · educational psychologist · study skills
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- autism spectrumRange of neurodevelopmental conditions
- Asperger'sAutism without speech delay
- Tourette'sNeurological condition causing tics
spectrum · divergent thinking · strengths-based · identity · acceptance · cognitive diversity · variability · invisible disability
Pleading for a cause
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- counselingProfessional guidance for problems
- patienceCalm during delays
- understandingMental comprehension of something
empowerment · self-advocacy · peer support · parent involvement · occupational therapy · speech therapy · psychologist · inclusion
Disability-compensating devices and software
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- speech-to-textAudio-to-written conversion technology
- audiobooksNarrated literary recordings
- large printEnlarged text format
graphic organizers · reduced workload · visual aids · word processor · calculator use · scribe · reader · chunking
dyslexia
Difficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dysgraphiaImpaired ability to write
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
processing speed · executive function · working memory · attention deficit · comprehension · visual processing · language disorder · dyspraxia · cognitive load · decoding
special education
Adapted instruction for disabilities
- IEPPersonalized learning accommodation document
- remedialIntended to fix problems
- tutoringIndividual academic guidance
phonics · literacy · numeracy · assessment · achievement gap · resource room · early intervention · educational psychologist · study skills · homework help
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- autism spectrumRange of neurodevelopmental conditions
- Asperger'sAutism without speech delay
Tourette's · spectrum · divergent thinking · strengths-based · identity · acceptance · cognitive diversity · variability · invisible disability · self-understanding
advocacy
Pleading for a cause
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- counselingProfessional guidance for problems
- patienceCalm during delays
understanding · empowerment · self-advocacy · peer support · parent involvement · occupational therapy · speech therapy · psychologist · inclusion · encouragement
assistive technology
Disability-compensating devices and software
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- speech-to-textAudio-to-written conversion technology
- audiobooksNarrated literary recordings
large print · graphic organizers · reduced workload · visual aids · word processor · calculator use · scribe · reader · chunking · spellchecker
- special educationspecial education, special ed, special needs, IEP, IEPs
- attentionattention, focus, focused, attentiveness, focused attention
- neglectneglect, neglected, abandonment, carelessness, disregard
- childhood traumaabuse, neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, ACEs
- zinc deficiencysmell loss, weak immunity, hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea
learning, learned, learner, learns, difficulties, learners, unlearn, relearn, relearning