Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)/dyslexia

We will seek to provide a working understanding of dyslexia that is linked to provision for learners who experience Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)/ dyslexia. The use of both terms, i.e. SpLD and dyslexia, in the title reflects the fact that at times some practitioners and policy-makers use the terms synonymously. However, for some professionals in the field the use of two terms reflects a difference in definition and conception. ‘dyslexia’ will be the term used and will be considered to be an example of a ‘specific learning difficulty’. This is consistent with the view expressed by the government in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice: ‘Children who demonstrate features of moderate, severe or profound learning difficulties or specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, require specific programs to aid progress in cognition and learning’ (DfES, 2001b: 7:55, 7:58).