Specific learning difficulties — including dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD), dyscalculia and dysgraphia — affect how people process, retain and express information. They are not indicators of lower intelligence and frequently co-occur with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Specialist support, assistive technology and targeted therapy can significantly improve academic, professional and daily functioning.
See therapies that may helpSpecific learning difficulties (SpLDs) are neurodevelopmental differences affecting specific aspects of learning while leaving other cognitive abilities intact. Dyslexia involves difficulties with phonological processing and reading/spelling. Dyspraxia/DCD involves motor coordination and spatial awareness difficulties. Dyscalculia involves specific difficulty with numerical processing. Dysgraphia affects written expression.
SpLDs are often described as learning 'differences' to reflect the neurodiversity framework — different ways of processing with both challenges and strengths. Many people with SpLDs have significant strengths in creative thinking, spatial reasoning, verbal ability or big-picture problem-solving that formal education systems often fail to recognise.
Signs that may indicate specific learning difficulties in adults:
Support for learning difficulties is primarily skills-based and accommodation-focused:
If you suspect a learning difficulty, referral to an educational psychologist for formal assessment is the most appropriate step — often privately. The British Dyslexia Association, Dyspraxia Foundation and Dyscalculia Network all offer resources and support. Access to Work (DWP) can fund workplace assessments and assistive technology.
Showing 6 therapies linked to Learning difficulties support (non-diagnostic).
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
CBT for learning difficulties secondary emotions. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Arts therapy for learning difficulties. |
| Counsellor |
moderate
|
Counselling for learning difficulties secondary emotions. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness for learning difficulties. |
| Psychotherapist |
moderate
|
Psychotherapy for learning difficulties secondary emotions. |
| Speech Therapist |
moderate
|
Speech therapy for learning difficulties with language component. |
Yes — many adults are diagnosed with dyslexia for the first time in adulthood, often prompted by workplace difficulties or a child's diagnosis. Adult diagnosis provides access to workplace adjustments, assistive technology and a framework for understanding lifelong experiences. Assessment is available privately or through some employer schemes.
No — this is a common misconception. Dyslexia is primarily a phonological processing difficulty — a difference in how the brain processes the sound structure of language. Letter reversals can occur but are not the defining feature and are also common in young children without dyslexia.
No — specific learning difficulties are distinct from general intellectual ability. Many highly intelligent people have dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia. The challenges are specific to particular processing domains and coexist with abilities that may be above average in other areas.
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for employees with dyslexia. Common adjustments include extra time for written tasks, text-to-speech software, written rather than verbal instructions, and flexibility with formatting. An Access to Work assessment can identify and fund appropriate adjustments.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty affecting phonological processing and reading. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention regulation and executive function. They are distinct but frequently co-occur — around 30–40% of people with ADHD also have dyslexia. Both require different but sometimes overlapping specialist support.