Understanding Specific Learning Disorders: What Parents Need to Know (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia)

When children or teenagers struggle with learning, it can be confusing and worrying for parents. You might hear terms like Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), Dyslexia, or Dyscalculia and wonder what they mean, how they are assessed, and whether they’re the same thing. Let’s break it down in clear and simple terms.

What Is a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)?

A Specific Learning Disorder is a formal diagnosis used when a child has significant and persistent difficulties learning certain academic skills, despite having had access to teaching and support. These difficulties aren’t because the child is “lazy” or “not trying.” Instead, they reflect differences in how the brain processes information.

Key points about SLD:

• It affects skills like reading, spelling, writing, or maths.

• It is long-lasting, though with the right support, children can make great progress.

• It is diagnosed when the difficulties are well below what would be expected for the child’s age, and when other explanations (such as lack of opportunity, vision/hearing issues, or intellectual disability) are ruled out.

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How Is SLD Assessed by a Psychologist?

Psychologists are the professionals who formally assess and diagnose SLD. The process usually involves:

1. Cognitive testing

   • Looking at how your child thinks, learns, remembers, and processes information (commonly using tools like the WISC-V).

   • This helps identify strengths (e.g., reasoning, problem solving) and challenges (e.g., working memory, processing speed).

2. Academic achievement testing

   • Using standardised tests such as the WIAT-III, that measure reading, spelling, writing, and maths.

   • Psychologists compare your child’s performance to same-age peers.

3. Background information

   • Collecting history from parents, teachers, and school reports.

   • Understanding the impact of the difficulties at school and home.

4. Exclusion of other causes

   • Ensuring that difficulties aren’t primarily due to lack of instruction, English as an additional language, or sensory/medical issues.

At the end, the psychologist provides a report and recommendations. This may include school-based supports, tutoring, adjustments (such as extra time for tests), and strategies to build on your child’s strengths.

Is SLD the Same as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia?

Not exactly — but they are related.

• Dyslexia: This is a commonly used term that refers to a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading (difficulty with word reading accuracy, reading fluency, and/or spelling).

• Dyscalculia: This refers to a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in mathematics (difficulty understanding numbers, learning maths facts, or performing calculations).

• Dysgraphia (less commonly used in Australia): Often refers to writing difficulties, usually captured under SLD with impairment in written expression.

So, “Dyslexia” and “Dyscalculia” are types of Specific Learning Disorders. In formal psychological and educational reports, the term SLD is used, but many parents and teachers still use Dyslexia/Dyscalculia to describe the learning profile.

Final Thoughts for Parents

If your child is struggling at school and progress seems slow despite good teaching, it’s worth considering an assessment. A psychologist can help you:

• Understand your child’s learning profile (strengths and weaknesses).

• Confirm whether an SLD diagnosis is appropriate.

• Provide practical strategies and evidence-based recommendations to support learning at home and school.

  
  

Remember:

• SLD = the formal diagnosis.

• Dyslexia, Dyscalculia = common terms for specific types of SLD.

Early identification and support can make a huge difference in your child’s confidence, achievement, and wellbeing.

Call Inner Voice Psychology if you would like to learn more from our psychologist Leanne Brown.