Learning difficulties

This page aims to provide information on the most common learning difficulties faced by people and provides contact details of organisations which could help them with their specific needs.

 

Additionally, we aim to provide a list of some websites that have online questionnaires to test if someone has a particular learning difficulty. 

 

Remember, the Amoor-e-Tuluba team remains approachable at all times, should anyone wish to contact us directly before going out to external organisations please do not hesitate to do so. 

 

Contact us at amooretuluba@khuddam.org.uk. 

Specific Learning Difficulties:

A ‘Specific learning difficulty’ refers to group of disorders which could affect ones ability to read, write, listen, speak, spell, reason or organise information. This is different from a ‘general learning disability’; where a child finds it more difficult to learn and understand things compared with other children of the same age. 

 

For example, children with  a general learning disability might never learn how to speak and even when they grow up they might remain dependant on others for looking after them (in terms of dressing them up, feeding them, general mobility, etc). 

 

On the other hand, people with a ‘specific learning difficulty’ normally have a problem with one learning aspect, but manage everything else well. For example, they might have difficulty in reading, writing or understanding what has been said to them, but have no problem with learning in other areas of life.

 

Some of the most common specific learning difficulties are mentioned below:

 

• Reading difficulty (Dyslexia)

 

This is the most common specific learning difficulty. It can affect the speed at which a person skims and scans written information. It can also cause difficulty in word recognition and imply a slower reading rate. A weakness may be observed in sequencing skills, and in working memory. Some of the common indicators of dyslexia are an inability to break up words into their component sounds and having difficulty in matching letters to specific sounds.

 

• Writing difficulty (Dysphasia)

 

People with Dysphasia have an impaired written language ability, which could include impairments in handwriting, spelling, organization of ideas, and composition. 

 

• Maths difficulty (Dyscalculia)

 

Students with this learning difficulty may find it hard to grasp simple arithmetical skills. This could include basic concepts e.g. telling the time, calculating prices, measuring and estimating quantities like speed and temperature.

They find it difficult to memorise mathematical facts and understand how a problem is organised on a page. 

 

• Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder, AD(H)D

 

In this disorder, people normally find it difficult to commence and switch tasks, along with a low level of attention and a high level of distractibility. They have weak listening skills and may not make full use of the feedback given to them. In case of hyperactivity, people may make hasty decisions without planning ahead or thinking about the outcome.

 

External Organisations

Below is a list of contact details for some of the external organisations:

British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD):

Some of the activities of BILD include carrying out research on issues like how to include people with learning disabilities in making decisions; training of staff, family carers and people with learning disabilities and publishing books, journal and training materials. 

Contact details: 

British Institute of Learning Disabilities

Campion House, Green Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1JL

Telephone: 01562 723 010

Fax: 01562 723 029

Email: enquiries@bild.org.uk 

www.bild.org.uk  

 

Skill (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities):

Skill provides free information and advice service via free-phone helpline, e-mail and website. It informs and influences key policy makers to improve legal rights and support for disabled students in post-16 education. Additionally it conducts research and develops projects on education and disability issues, provides consultancy and training and produce publications.

Contact details: 

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

Unit 3, Floor 3, Radisson Court, 219 Long Lane, London, SE1 4PR

Telephone and Text phone: 020 7450 0620 

Fax: 020 7450 0650 

Email: skill@skill.org.uk 

www.skill.org.uk 

 

ACE Centre (Aiding communication in Education):

The ACE Centre provides information to parents and professionals working with young people with complex physical and communication difficulties. Training, assessment, leaflets and telephone advice are available.

Contact details: 

ACE Centre Advisory Trust, 92 Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DR

Phone number: 01865 759 800 

Fax: 01865 759810

Email: info@ace-centre.org.uk 

www.ace-centre.org.uk 

 

British Dyslexia Association (BDA):

It aims to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society. The BDA produces the Dyslexia Handbook annually, Dyslexia Contact magazine three times a year and wide range of other publications.

Contact details: 

Unit 8, Bracknell Beeches, Old Bracknell Lane, Bracknell, RG12 7BW

Phone number: 0845 251 9002

Fax: 0845 251 9005

Email: helpline@bdadyslexia.org.uk 

www.bdadyslexia.org.uk 

 

Signature:

Signature is recognised as an awarding body offering a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications. These include British Sign Language and other forms of communication commonly used by deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deaf-blind people.

Contact details: 

Signature, Mersey House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont, Durham, DH1 1TH.

Phone number: 0191 383 1155

Fax: 0191 383 7914

Email: durham@signature.org.uk 

                www.signature.org.uk 

 

Foundation for People with Learning disabilities (FPLD):

FPLD uses research and projects to promote the rights of people with learning disabilities.

Contact details: 

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

9th Floor, Sea Containers House, 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9QB.

Telephone: 020 7803 1100 

Fax: 020 7803 1111

Email: fpld@fpld.org.uk 

                www.learningdisabilities.org.uk 

 

Below is a list of websites which can be used to test for learning difficulties:

 

1. http://www.dyslexiacentre.co.uk/ 

To test for Dyslexia:

(Click on ‘TestYourself’ and then select the relevant age range)

 

2. http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/special-education/34455.html 

To test for; ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia and some other disabilities.