Learning Difficulties
Maybe you have noticed your child struggling to keep up in class despite trying their best. It may appear as decreased focus, low motivation, or reduced participation in class activities. Or perhaps you have always felt that something just doesn’t quite “click” when it comes to reading, maths, or writing, and now you’re wondering why.
Everyone learns differently. Part of being human is unique. We all grow a bit differently, and this comes with strengths, weaknesses, differences in interest and our unique personalities. When we think about health difficulties, it is important to remember that this is only one part of who a person is, not the whole story.
These challenges can feel frustrating, confusing and even isolating. Whether you are a parent looking for answers, a teenager feeling overwhelmed at school, or an adult reflecting on lifelong academic struggles, this guide will help you understand what is going on and what to do next.
What Are Learning Difficulties?
Learning difficulties refer to ongoing challenges with acquiring and using academic skills like reading, writing or mathematics. These difficulties are not due to laziness, poor teaching or lack of effort; they are often rooted in how your brain processes information.
Sometimes, these struggles are obvious early on. Other times, they become more noticeable as academic demands increase. Learning difficulties, if left unsupported, can impact not just school performance, but also confidence, mental health and everyday functioning.
What Is A Specific Learning Disorder?
A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a formal diagnosis given when a child has significant difficulty in one or more academic areas, such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or maths (dyscalculia), despite having average or above-average intelligence.
For it to be diagnosed, these challenges need to have persisted for at least six months, even after targeted interventions and support have been provided.
These challenges are specific because they affect certain areas while leaving other cognitive abilities intact. That means a student who struggles with spelling might be an excellent verbal communicator or creative thinker.
Recognising and working with these strengths is a key part of therapy and support. If you suspect you or your child may have an SLD, you can take a Psychological Assessment by one of our trained and qualified psychologists.
Types of Learning Difficulties
According to the DSM-5, a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is diagnosed when a child shows persistent difficulties in one or more areas of academic learning (such as reading, writing, or mathematics) for at least six months, despite targeted interventions. These challenges are not explained by low intelligence, poor motivation, or lack of educational opportunity, but instead reflect a neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with academic achievement.
Common presentations of SLD include:
- Difficulties with reading (often referred to as dyslexia): Problems with word reading accuracy, reading fluency, and comprehension.
- Difficulties with written expression (often referred to as dysgraphia): Challenges with spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation, clarity and organisation of written work.
- Difficulties with mathematics (often referred to as dyscalculia): Struggles with number sense, memorisation of arithmetic facts, calculation, and mathematical reasoning.
Other Considerations:
Sometimes, children may also present with difficulties that overlap with or impact learning but are not formally diagnosed as SLD in the DSM-5. For example:
- Auditory or Visual Processing Difficulties: A child may have trouble interpreting sounds or visual input despite normal hearing or vision. These are not psychological diagnoses, but may be observed and flagged by psychologists, with referrals made to speech therapists, occupational therapists, or vision specialists for formal assessment
Symptoms Of Learning Difficulties
Each person may show different signs, but common indicators include:
- Frequent spelling or reading errors
- Taking longer than peers to complete assignments
- Confusion with mathematical concepts
- Poor handwriting or written organisation
- Difficulty remembering instructions or directions
- Avoidance of school-related tasks
- Low self-confidence in learning
Children and adults alike may experience frustration, anxiety or embarrassment related to their learning difficulties. Recognising the signs early can help reduce long-term impact.
What Is An Intellectual Disability?
According to the DSM-5, a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is diagnosed when a child shows persistent difficulties in one or more areas of academic learning (such as reading, writing, or mathematics) for at least six months, despite targeted interventions.
These challenges are not explained by low intelligence, poor motivation, or lack of educational opportunity, but instead reflect a neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with academic achievement.
Common presentations of SLD include:
- Difficulties with reading (often referred to as dyslexia): Problems with word reading accuracy, reading fluency, and comprehension.
- Difficulties with written expression (often referred to as dysgraphia): Challenges with spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation, clarity and organisation of written work.
- Difficulties with mathematics (often referred to as dyscalculia): Struggles with number sense, memorisation of arithmetic facts, calculation, and mathematical reasoning.
Other Considerations
Sometimes, children may also present with difficulties that overlap with or impact learning but are not formally diagnosed as SLD in the DSM-5. For example:
- Auditory or Visual Processing Difficulties: A child may have trouble interpreting sounds or visual input despite normal hearing or vision. These are not psychological diagnoses, but may be observed and flagged by psychologists, with referrals made to speech therapists, occupational therapists, or vision specialists for formal assessment
An intellectual disability refers to intellectual functioning that is statistically below what is expected for a person’s age, without a temporary cause. This affects not just academic skills, but also everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care and problem-solving.
For example, someone with an intellectual disability may:
- Take longer to speak, walk or learn everyday tasks
- Struggle to keep up with academic demands across all subjects
- Need ongoing help with decision-making, routines and personal safety
Sometimes, the term global developmental delay is used for younger children if it is unclear whether the delays are temporary. Over time, a psychologist or paediatrician may update this diagnosis to an intellectual disability if delays persist.
Having a diagnosis can be helpful—it gives families and schools a clearer idea of how to provide support.
A psychologist is the professional who conducts assessments and provides a formal diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder. From there, an Educational Therapist can offer ongoing, individualised support, tailoring strategies and interventions to match the child’s stage of development and specific learning needs.
With the right learning environment and care, people with intellectual disabilities can live fulfilling, full lives, make meaningful contributions, and build strong relationships.
Learning Difficulties vs Intellectual Difficulties
Learning Difficulties | Intellectual Disability |
|---|---|
| Specific challenges with certain areas of learning, such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or maths (dyscalculia). | A broader condition where a person has significant limitations in both intellectual functioning (such as reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking) and adaptive behaviour (daily life skills like communication, self-care, and social skills). |
| A child with a learning difficulty usually has average or above-average intelligence, but their brain processes information in a different way. | Intellectual disability is generally identified before the age of 18 and affects many aspects of life, not just school learning. |
| Affects how someone learns specific skills, but overall intelligence is not impaired. | Affects general intellectual ability and daily functioning across many areas of life. |
| With the right teaching strategies and support, they can do very well in school and beyond. |
Causes of Learning Difficulties
Learning difficulties are often due to neurological and genetic factors. These might include:
1. Genetic And Hereditary Factors
Learning difficulties often run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component.
For example, children with a parent or sibling who has dyslexia are more likely to have reading difficulties themselves.
2. Neurological Differences In Brain Structure And Function
Brain imaging studies have shown differences in how the brains of individuals with dyslexia and dyscalculia process information. These differences are often found in areas associated with phonological processing, working memory, and number sense.
3. Prenatal, Perinatal And Neonatal Complications
Exposure to substances (e.g. alcohol, nicotine), maternal stress, or infections during pregnancy may affect neurodevelopment.
Complications during birth, such as oxygen deprivation and low birth weight are also associated with increased risk for learning difficulties.
4. Environmental Factors
Early exposure to environmental toxins (e.g. lead) has been linked to cognitive and learning impairments.
Limited access to early stimulation, books, or supportive learning environments can exacerbate learning challenges, especially in low socioeconomic settings.
5. Comorbid Developmental Conditions
Learning difficulties commonly co-occur with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, speech and language disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. These comorbidities can interact in complex ways to influence learning profiles.
6. Differences In Cognitive Processing
Deficits in working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning are commonly associated with various learning difficulties. These are not due to intellectual disability but to domain-specific cognitive inefficiencies.
When To Seek Help?
Every child learns at their own pace, but if you notice that your child is consistently struggling with reading, writing, maths, following instructions, or keeping up with classmates despite extra effort, it may be a sign to reach out for support.
Other signs that it may be time to seek help include:
- Frequent frustration or emotional distress around schoolwork
- Difficulties that persist even after extra practice at home or school
- Avoidance of tasks that involve reading, writing, or problem-solving
- Falling behind peers academically over time
Seeking help early makes a big difference. A professional assessment can identify your child’s strengths and challenges, and tailored support can build confidence, coping strategies, and academic progress.
If you are unsure, speak with a psychologist or educational specialist to get clarity and peace of mind.
How Can Us Help You?
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you work through negative thought patterns such as “I should have done more” or “I can’t live without them”. You will learn to:
- Identify and challenge unhelpful thinking
- Build healthier ways of coping
- Gently face or avoid situations or reminders of the loss
Acceptance and Committment Therapy
Educational or Cognitive Assessments
Psychoeducation
Remediation and Skill-Building
School Collaboration
Our therapists may work closely with teachers to create reasonable adjustments, such as extra time on tasks, the use of assistive technology, or breaking down instructions into smaller steps.
This ensures consistency between home and school.
Strength-Based Strategies
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About Learning Difficulties
What are the top 5 learning difficulties?
- Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) with impairment in reading – often referred to as dyslexia (difficulties with word reading accuracy, reading fluency, and comprehension).
- Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) with impairment in written expression – often referred to as dysgraphia (challenges with spelling, grammar, and clarity of writing).
- Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) with impairment in mathematics – often referred to as dyscalculia (difficulties with number sense, calculation, and mathematical reasoning).
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – not a learning disorder itself, but it can co-occur and significantly impact focus, organisation, and academic performance.
- Auditory or Visual Processing Disorders – challenges in interpreting sounds or visual input despite normal hearing or vision. These are not formal psychological diagnoses, but may be observed and referred to other specialists (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists, vision specialists) for further assessment.
What are the main types of Specific Learning Disorder?
Under the DSM-5, a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) diagnosis can be made in three primary academic areas:
- SLD with impairment in reading – which may include difficulties with basic reading skills, reading fluency, and reading comprehension (often referred to as dyslexia).
- SLD with impairment in written expression – which may include challenges with spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation, and clarity or organisation of written work (often referred to as dysgraphia).
- SLD with impairment in mathematics – which may include difficulties with number sense, memorisation of arithmetic facts, calculation, and mathematical problem-solving (often referred to as dyscalculia).
It is important to note that terms like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are descriptive and widely used, but the formal diagnosis in the DSM-5 is Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading, written expression, or mathematics.
What is a learning difficulty?
A learning difficulty refers to persistent struggles in one or a few academic areas—like reading, writing, or math—even though the individual has average or above-average intelligence. A learning difficulty is about how someone learns—not about how smart they are.
In other words, the person is capable of learning but may need to learn in a different way. These difficulties can make school feel overwhelming, but they do not mean the person is not smart or capable.
Examples of learning difficulties:
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
- Processing disorders
People with learning difficulties often have strengths in other areas, such as creativity, verbal expression, empathy, or hands-on problem solving. With the right tools and support, they can thrive in school and beyond.