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What are learning difficulties?

A learning difficulty can be described as aneurological difficulty with processing certain forms of information. Somelearning difficulties are seen in isolation and others alongside each other,for example Dyslexia and Dyspraxia are often seen together.Learning difficulties is an umbrella term used todescribe some of the most frequently occurring conditions such as, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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How would I know if my child has learning difficulties?

The way that a learning difficulty presents itselfwill vary from child to child.
Below are a few of the common signs that would warrant further investigation:

  • Difficulty organising themselves or their work
  • Skill Development
  • Struggling to create neat, legible work, or produces work very slowly meaning they are falling behind in lessons
  • Difficulty translating what they see on the board or in a book into their own work, for example copying from the board into their homework book or losing their place when reading or copying
  • Poor reading ability
  • Difficulty recalling words or times tables recently learnt
  • Easily distracted

    How can occupational therapy help a child with learning difficulties?

    An occupational therapist can work with a child, theirschool and parents to provide treatment, advice, strategies and techniques tominimise the effects of a learning difficulty on everyday life. It is importantthat where possible, treatment is started early to minimise the effect onself-confidence and esteem with their peers and in the classroom.

    Below are some of the ways that an occupationaltherapist might focus on:

    • Breaking tasks down into smaller and more manageable chunks
    • Teaching physical preparation
    • Helping with mental preparation and memory aids
    • Offering timing and pacing techniques.
    • Advising on calendar and time management
    • Teaching visual cues and reminders
    • Putting in place routines