Having a learning difficulty means a person has a harder time learning and acquiring skills. Learning difficulties are not related to levels of intelligence, the related conditions are neurological.
These conditions include ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and autism. People with learning difficulties need adjustments, inclusive accommodations and help with learning.
What causes learning difficulties?
Specific Learning Difficulties are developmental conditions, meaning that while environmental factors may have some effect on their presentation, the underlying condition is something the individual was born with. Developmental Specific Learning Difficulties often run in families, and the existence of these difficulties comes down to differences in how specific brain structures develop. As such, environmental factors, bad parenting, or lack of parental care are not the originator of SpLDs.
However, some learning difficulties can be acquired later in life. These are also rooted in the brain, but they are caused by trauma or injuries suffered after birth. Whether the specific cause is an infection, an accident, a tumour or a stroke, the origin of the atypical working of certain areas of the brain is down to external causes.
« Back to the index
