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The weather over the past few months has been wild here in the UK, with storms bringing gale-force winds and enough rain to cause significant flooding issues. I hope you are all safe and haven't been affected too badly by the unpredictable weather!
With over 8 billion people on Earth, it’s no surprise that there are many variations in how bodies and brains function. What is surprising, however, is how little people know about these differences and that many are unaware of their existence at all.
This creates an unsafe and unfriendly world for those of us whose brains work differently. Even though awareness is spreading, it's not happening fast enough.
Many children and adults are still flying under the radar, despite the significant increase in understanding and knowledge within the teaching and medical professions. I have personally been diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, though the four learning disabilities we are going to discuss all have interlinking signs and are often connected. It is possible to be diagnosed with just one; however, it is more likely to have two or more.
Children are more likely to be diagnosed with learning difficulties, though many adults are now receiving diagnoses thanks to advanced research. I was diagnosed with both dyslexia and dyspraxia when I started university at age 19. Many people believe that you can grow out of conditions like dyslexia as you get older; however, this is not the case, and there are no treatments or cures for learning disabilities. While there are ways to manage them better, such as cognitive therapy and various methods that individuals can implement in their lives, the diagnosis remains, and individuals will always face challenges.
Navigating life can be a challenge for everyone, but it is even more so for those with brains that are wired differently from societal expectations. Not only do we have to battle our own brains to accomplish tasks, learn how to read and write, and face our daily struggles, but we also encounter judgment, bullying, disappointment, and misunderstanding from the rest of the world.
This is why spreading awareness of disabilities—whether they are physical, mental, or learning—is so important to me. The more people understand these differences, the more welcoming society can be to individuals like me.
In this post, we will explore 4 learning disabilities: dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. We will learn what they are and the common diagnostic criteria.
While the exact reasons why many people have learning disabilities are still not fully understood, factors such as genetics, premature birth, and exposure to certain substances can increase the likelihood, though they are not the only contributing factors. Many sources back this up, such as:
Source: Chudley, A. E., et al. (2005). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Canadian guidelines for diagnosis. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 172(5), 577-581.
Pennington, B. F., & Bishop, D. V. M. (2009). Relations among speech, language, and reading disorders. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 283-306.
These learning difficulties do not alter a person's intelligence, and it does not mean that they are stupid or less smart; it just means their brains perceive things differently. Individuals with learning disabilities often have other areas of strength, such as being creative and out-of-the-box thinkers.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia may very well be the most well-known of the disabilities we are exploring here.
As studies and research become more sophisticated and reliable, our knowledge as a society increases, and dyslexia is becoming much better understood both by psychologists, teachers and us as a society.
Dyslexia is a disability that affects the way an individual's brain processes language and words. It affects the way people can read, write, spell, recognize words and process words into writing or vice versa. People with dyslexia also commonly struggle with expressing their thoughts correctly and finding the right words to explain what they mean.

Common Diagnosis Criteria
Reading Difficulties: Individuals often have a noticeable gap between their reading abilities and what’s expected for their age. Adults may read slowly, struggle with unfamiliar words, or skip lines when reading.
Phonological Awareness Issues: This means having trouble with the sounds in words—like blending sounds together or breaking them down into their individual components. A great example of this is when words are pronounced exactly as they are seen rather than how they are meant to be said. For instance, 'shiitake mushrooms' is pronounced 'shee-tah-keh,' not 'shit-take,' which is how I initially read it.
Spelling Challenges: Frequent spelling errors and difficulty with writing can be a big red flag.
Family History: Dyslexia often runs in families, so a family history of reading difficulties can be a consideration.
Comprehensive Evaluation: A full assessment typically involves a combination of tests, including reading, writing, and language skills, conducted by a qualified professional like a psychologist or educational specialist.
Writing letters and numbers backwards, I often find myself, when I’m writing by hand and I’m thinking about the sentence I want to write, I sometimes accidentally write a letter from a future word instead of the one I’m currently working on.
While these are signs of dyslexia, there are also other possibilities to consider, if you or someone you know is experiencing these challenges, it’s a good idea to seek help from a professional who can provide a thorough evaluation and support.
If you want to ease the stress of dyslexia, there are some great tricks to try! First, getting support from a tutor can boost your reading and writing skills. Regular practice is super important, so read and write as much as you can. Mixing up your learning styles—like seeing, hearing, and doing—can help things stick better. Reading aloud can improve your fluency, and audiobooks let you enjoy stories without the hassle of decoding text.
Using coloured overlays can help reduce the 'dancing' of letters on pages, and darker backgrounds on screens can make a big difference. Always have a friend or tutor proofread your work, or use tools like Grammarly (I rely on it for every post!).
Finally, don’t hesitate to speak up for your needs. Asking for extra time on exams or having your boss rephrase something you don’t understand can help!
Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that messes with motor skills and coordination, causing miscommunication or a lack of communication between the brain and body, affecting both kids and adults. People with dyspraxia might find everyday tasks a bit tricky, whether it’s writing, running, or even just buttoning a shirt. Other issues may include the ability to read analogue clocks and distinguish between left and right, both of which I struggle with greatly! When I took my driving test, I had to write 'L' and 'R' on the back of my hands! And honestly, holding out my hands to make L shapes doesn’t help either because both L's—normal and backwards—look correct to me due to my dyslexia. It’s a real dilemma!
While we don’t know exactly what causes it, it’s thought to be linked to differences in how the brain develops.
Common Diagnosis Criteria
Clumsy movements: Struggling with tasks that need good hand-eye coordination, like catching a ball or using scissors.
Planning issues: Having a tough time organizing and carrying out tasks that involve several steps.
Balance problems: Finding it hard to keep your balance or move around without bumping into things. I constantly walk into door frames, benches and furniture and I am always covered in bruises as a result.
Delayed motor skills: Reaching milestones like walking or using utensils later than other kids.
Everyday challenges: Difficulty with things like dressing, writing, or joining in on sports activities.
Judging how far away something is: Figuring out the distance between objects. If I am driving an unusual vehicle (one I don't drive often), I have to take extra caution as I struggle to tell how far away from things I am, though in vehicles I know, I am confident as I know the shape and size.
Managing dyspraxia symptoms can be a lot easier with a few handy strategies! Working with an occupational therapist can help you build motor skills and find ways to tackle everyday tasks. Regular practice is key, so don’t hesitate to repeat activities to boost your confidence. Using tools like weighted utensils or pencil grips can make things simpler, too. Breaking tasks into smaller steps and using visual aids like checklists can help you stay organized. Plus, getting active with exercises that focus on balance can improve your coordination.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is often described as “math dyslexia.”

Just like some people struggle with reading, others find it tough to grasp math concepts. It’s not about being bad at math; it’s a specific learning difficulty that affects how someone processes numerical information. This can lead to challenges in basic math skills, understanding time, or even managing money.
Common Diagnosis Criteria
Difficulty with Number Sense: This means having trouble understanding numbers, their relationships, and how they work together.
Struggles with Basic Math Operations: If basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division feels like climbing a mountain, that’s a red flag.
Problems with Mental Math: Keeping track of numbers in your head? For some, that can feel impossible.
Difficulty with Time and Measurement: Struggling to read clocks or understand time intervals can also be a sign.
Inconsistent Performance: Sometimes, a person might do well on math tests, but other times, it’s like they’ve forgotten everything.
Impact on Daily Life: If math difficulties affect daily activities—like budgeting or telling time.
To diagnose dyscalculia, professionals usually conduct a series of assessments that evaluate both math skills and cognitive processing. This helps to distinguish dyscalculia from other learning difficulties.
Using visual aids like charts and diagrams can help make sense of numbers, while apps and games designed for math practice can make learning fun. Breaking tasks into smaller steps can also reduce overwhelm, and using tools like calculators or math apps can be a lifesaver! Plus, don’t forget to lean on teachers, tutors, or friends for support—they can offer tips and encouragement along the way.
Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a specific learning difficulty that affects writing skills. It can make the physical act of writing, as well as organizing thoughts on paper, a real challenge. People with dysgraphia may find it tough to hold a pencil, form letters, or even spell correctly.
Common Diagnosis Criteria
Messy Handwriting: If letters are poorly formed, inconsistent in size, or hard to read, that’s a key indicator. They may struggle with the motor skills of writing.
Difficulty with Spelling: Struggling with spelling words correctly, even common ones, can be a sign of dysgraphia.
Slow Writing Speed: If writing takes a lot longer than it does for peers, it might be worth looking into.
Trouble Organizing Thoughts: Finding it hard to put ideas into a clear written format can also point to dysgraphia.
Physical Discomfort: Experiencing pain or discomfort in the hand or wrist while writing can be another sign.
While living with dysgraphia can be annoying, using tools like pencil grips or special pens can help with comfort and control while writing. Typing on a computer or tablet is a great option, too, since it can be faster, less frustrating and less painful. Breaking writing tasks into smaller chunks can keep things manageable, and using graphic organizers can help you sort out your thoughts before putting them on paper.
In today’s world, it’s essential to recognize and understand the various learning differences that people may experience, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Each of these conditions presents unique challenges—dyslexia affects reading, dyspraxia impacts coordination, dysgraphia makes writing difficult, and dyscalculia complicates math skills.
However, it’s crucial to approach these differences with a mindset of equity. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and that means providing the right support and accommodations tailored to individual needs.
By fostering an inclusive environment, we can help individuals with learning differences thrive and reach their full potential.
Rather than judging people for their unique challenges, we should embrace them. Celebrating diversity in learning styles not only enriches our communities but also promotes understanding and compassion.
Let’s work together to create a world where everyone is valued for their strengths and supported in overcoming their challenges.
After all, our differences make us unique, and that’s something to celebrate!
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