When Reading, Writing or Maths Feels Hard: Could It Be a Learning Disorder?

Some children work very hard but still find reading, spelling, writing or maths difficult.

They may avoid homework, become upset during reading, guess words, write very little, reverse letters, struggle with spelling, find maths facts hard to remember, or take much longer than other children to complete schoolwork.

Specific learning disorders can affect reading, written expression or mathematics. These are often referred to as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, although children’s learning profiles can be more complex than one simple label. Research has shown that learning difficulties often overlap and may involve multiple cognitive and academic skills.

Dysgraphia, for example, can affect handwriting, spelling and written composition. A scoping review of dysgraphia research found that it remains under-recognised and can affect children, families and educators in significant ways.

Maths difficulties can also involve more than “not knowing numbers”. A systematic review on dyscalculia and mathematical difficulties found that general cognitive skills, such as working memory and other thinking processes, can affect maths learning.

A psychoeducational assessment can help identify whether your child’s learning difficulties are linked to reading, writing, maths, memory, processing speed, attention or another factor.

This information can guide support at school and at home. It can also help protect a child’s confidence.

When children struggle with learning, they often know they are finding it hard. An assessment can help explain why and show them that support is available.