Learning Difficulties Testing at Harley Therapy™ London

Always struggling with what seems easy for others?

Constantly frustrated by reading, writing, or maths? Or worried your child isn't coping at school? Learning difficulties can leave us feeling stressed, left out, and unable to progress.

What are learning difficulties?

A learning difficulty, or ‘specific learning difference (SpLD)’, means the brain does not take in and process information in typical ways. Even though SpLDs affect your education, they are not about intellect. Many individuals with SpLDs are bright, meaning their struggles can at first be overlooked.

Testing for learning difficulties in London

A learning difficulty diagnosis can bring desperately needed awareness and support to you and your family. If you are at all worried, why not get in touch to discuss your concerns?

Call us now on 020 8003 4173 or book online to make a confidential appointment with one of our educational psychologists in Harley Street.

Signs of learning difficulties

In children, learning difficulties can look like:

falling behind other students in certain areas and 'feeling stupid'
seeing learning as 'boring' and not wanting to do homework
overachieving in other ways, such as being very creative or chatty
frustration with learning that might lead to behavioural issues.

In adults, learning difficulties can manifest as:

avoiding reading, writing, or numbers
struggles in the workplace
anxiety and stress over daily tasks like banking, filling out forms
memory, time, and organisation difficulties
strained relationships as you feel misunderstood.

Types of learning difficulties

The learning difficulties recognised in the UK are dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Many people have symptoms of several of these, so you might be given an umbrella diagnosis of 'specific learning difference’, or SpLD.

Dyslexia

The official UK definition of dyslexia offered by the British Psychological Society is of "a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed."

Dyspraxia

A common dual diagnosis with ADHD or autism, dypraxia is also known as ‘developmental coordination disorder’, or DCD. As well as causing problems with things like balance, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination, it also affects memory and can cause difficulties with remembering and organising time.

Dysgraphia

This learning difficulty involves the connection between language and motor skills. Handwriting, spelling, and putting thoughts on paper can all be a challenge.

Dyscalculia

When it's numbers and symbols that are confusing the diagnosis can be dyscalculia. As well as maths difficulties, it can lead to not understanding money, time, scheduling, or quantities.

Benefits of a learning difficulties assessment

Testing for a specific learning difference is more than just a diagnosis, it's about helping you reach your potential. An assessment can:

identify your strengths as well as what you need support with
find your unique learning style
create strategies for learning and moving forward
develop a plan to access appropriate support
raise your self-esteem and confidence.

SpLDs Testing - the Harley Therapy™ approach

At Harley Therapy we recognise that each client is unique. Our educational psychologists are committed to understanding you, and to making the process of a learning difficulty assessment comfortable and helpful.

Mon	07.00 - 22.00
Tue	07.00 - 22.00
Wed	07.00 - 22.00
Thu	07.00 - 22.00
Fri	07.00 - 22.00
Sat	08.00 - 20.00
Sun	08.00 - 20.00

HARLEY THERAPY™
Private Educational Psychology in London

Learning difficulties don't have to hold you back. We can help

Learning Difficulties Testing at Harley Therapy™ London

Always struggling with what seems easy for others?

What are learning difficulties?

Testing for learning difficulties in London

Signs of learning difficulties