Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. But for many students, learning can be much harder than it appears—despite having average or above-average intelligence, strong motivation, and a supportive environment. These students often face invisible barriers known as Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs).
Understanding SpLDs is not only essential for teachers and counselors, but also for youth workers, parents, and policy makers who want to ensure inclusive and fair opportunities for all learners.
🔍 What are specific learning difficulties?
Specific Learning Difficulties refer to a group of neurological conditions that affect how individuals process and use information. They are called "specific" because they usually impact only certain areas of learning—such as reading, writing, math, coordination, or attention—while leaving other cognitive abilities unaffected.
Importantly, SpLDs are not a reflection of intelligence. A student with dyslexia, for example, may struggle to read fluently, but can be extremely creative or have strong problem-solving skills. These differences in learning style simply require different teaching approaches and early support.
🧠 The Most Common Types of SpLDs
There are several types of specific learning difficulties, each with its own challenges:
Dyslexia - Affects reading, spelling, and decoding written language. Learners may read slowly, confuse letters, or have trouble remembering sequences of words.
Dyscalculia - Impacts understanding of numbers, math operations, and abstract concepts. Learners may struggle with basic arithmetic, telling time, or estimating quantities.
Dysgraphia - Affects handwriting, spelling, and written expression. Learners may write slowly, find it hard to organize thoughts on paper, or have illegible handwriting.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) - Affects fine and gross motor coordination, planning, and spatial awareness. It can influence handwriting, sports, dressing, or general organization of movement and thoughts.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - Involves difficulties with attention, impulse control, and sometimes hyperactivity. ADHD can coexist with other SpLDs and impacts the ability to focus, follow instructions, or stay organized.
Each person with a SpLD may experience different symptoms and levels of difficulty, which is why individualized support is so important.
🎓 How do SpLDs affect education?
SpLDs can have a significant impact on academic performance if not identified and addressed early. Some of the most common challenges in school include:
- Difficulty keeping up with classroom instruction
- Poor spelling or handwriting
- Struggles with organizing homework and tasks
- Low confidence and fear of failure
- Behavioral issues due to frustration or misunderstanding
Students with SpLDs are often misunderstood. Their difficulties may be seen as laziness or lack of effort, which can lead to exclusion, underachievement, and early school dropout.
However, with the right support, these students can excel and even turn their learning differences into strengths.
⏰ Why early identification matters
The earlier a specific learning difficulty is identified, the sooner tailored support can be provided. This may include:
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Assistive technologies (like text-to-speech or audio books)
- Adjusted assessment methods
- Specialized teaching techniques
- Emotional and psychological support
Early intervention helps prevent long-term educational and emotional consequences and improves the student’s self-esteem, motivation, and academic progress.
🤝 How SkillCompass is making a difference
This is where the SkillCompass project steps in.
Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, SkillCompass aims to equip youth professionals with the tools and training they need to recognize and support young people with SpLDs.
The project focuses on:
- Creating an inclusive guide with 10 digital career guidance tools
- Training youth workers, teachers, and career counselors
- Raising awareness about learning difficulties
SkillCompass recognizes that many young people with SpLDs struggle not only in school, but also in planning their future careers. That’s why the project goes beyond academics, helping professionals prepare youth with SpLDs for life beyond the classroom.
💬 Final Thoughts
Specific Learning Difficulties are often invisible but very real. They affect not only how a young person learns, but also how they feel about themselves and their future. By improving awareness, investing in early intervention, and building inclusive systems, we can remove barriers and unlock potential.
Every young person deserves to feel capable, understood, and supported. With projects like SkillCompass, we are taking a step closer to making that a reality—for every learner, in every classroom, and in every career path.
