Nama: Raihany Hidayati Az-Zahra

NIM: 1102618044
Kelas: PKh B 2018

LEARNING DIFFICULTY VS LEARNING DISABILITY VS LEARNING DISORDER

 UK Version
1. Salvesen Mindroom Centre's version
Difficulty = obstacle
Disability = something that incapacitates
Learning difficulty : Any learning or emotional problem that affects, or substantially
affects, a person’s ability to learn, get along with others and follow convention.
Learning disability : A significant, lifelong condition that starts before adulthood,
affects development and leads to help being required to:
 Understand information
 Learn skills
 Cope independently

2. The NHS (National Health Service) UK definition of a learning disability implies an IQ

below 70.

3. Learning difficulty does not affect general intelligence, whereas a learning disability
is linked to an overall cognitive impairment.
Learning ‘difficulty’ means you might struggle, but you can still cope and have an
independent life.
Learning ‘disability’ affects intellect to the point you can’t manage independently
but need support for your day-to-day life.
Learning disability is different from a learning difficulty as a learning difficulty does
not affect general intellect.

4. There are many different types of learning difficulty, some of the more well known
are dyslexia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and
dyscalculia. A person can have one, or a combination.

In the UK, SpLD means Specific Learning Difficulties

 US Version
1. Learning disabilities, or learning disorders, are an umbrella term for a wide
variety of learning problems.
2. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. Kids
with learning disabilities aren’t lazy or dumb.
3. In fact, most are just as smart as everyone else. Their brains are simply wired
differently. This difference affects how they receive and process information.
4. Common types of learning disabilities
Dyslexia – Difficulty with reading

 Problems reading, writing, spelling, speaking

Dyscalculia – Difficulty with math

 Problems doing math problems, understanding time, using money

Dysgraphia – Difficulty with writing

 Problems with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas

Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder) – Difficulty with fine motor skills

 Problems with hand-eye coordination, balance, manual dexterity

Dysphasia/Aphasia – Difficulty with language

 Problems understanding spoken language, poor reading

comprehension

Auditory Processing Disorder – Difficulty hearing differences between sounds

 Problems with reading, comprehension, language

Visual Processing Disorder – Difficulty interpreting visual information

 Problems with reading, math, maps, charts, symbols, pictures

In the US, SpLD means Specific Learning Disorder

Conclusion :

In the United States students are identified with ‘Learning Disabilities’ or ‘Learning
Disorders’, whereas in the United Kingdom there is a preference for the term ‘Learning
Difficulty’. Some Australian States and Territories encourage the use of the term ‘Learning
Difficulties’ for all students struggling to develop skills in literacy and/or numeracy, while
others separate this quite large body of students into a number of categories.

References:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-
disorders.htm

https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/learning-disabilities-vs-learning-
difficulties.htm

https://www.education.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/714332/Learning-
Difficulties-Factsheet-1.pdf

https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/what-learning-disability