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.  

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
• overacheiving 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. 

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, or book online to make a confidential appointment with one of our educational psychologists in the City of London, Harley Street, or London Bridge.

Further reading about learning difficulties and related disorders

• The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust BPS Definition of Dyslexia 
• Types of Learning Difficulties - Time to Get Tested? 
• What is an Educational Psychologist, and Does Your Child Need One?
• ADHD in Children - Should You Be Concerned? 
• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? 
• Does Your Child Need an Autism Test? Screening for ASD
• Adult ADHD - Are You Suffering From it?
• Signs of Aspergers in Adults - Sound Familiar?

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