Understanding Learning Difficulties Differences

Understanding Learning Difficulties Differences

What do you do if you’re concerned about your child struggling in school? Or if you are wondering about how to support a child with a learning difference or additional need?

Understanding Learning Difficulties Differences provides parents and teachers with an overview of common learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, intellectual difficulties, ADHD, dyspraxia, anxiety, autism, and speech and language difficulties. 

Written by an author who has both personal and professional experience of dealing with additional needs, the book highlights and explains common traits and early indicators, while also providing strategies of support in areas of reading, writing, organisation, study skills and social skills. It contains down-to-earth and honest discussions on parenting and teaching children with additional needs.  All topics are viewed from the perspectives and experiences of parents, teachers and, most importantly, the children.

Understanding Learning Difficulties Differences stresses the importance of seeing and addressing the individual needs of the student as opposed to the ‘diagnosis’. While chapters are conveniently arranged into headings, the advice at all times asks you to look at the individual. It also aims to unlock some of the assessment jargon, discusses ethical questions and explores the alternative ways we should be looking at additional needs or learning differences. 

Understanding Learning Difficulties Differences is essential reading for parents, teachers, SNAs, and all those working with students with additional needs.

Ann Marie Lynch has been an Additional Educational Needs coordinator in a busy post-primary Dublin school for 16 years. She has passionately delivered Special Educational Needs modules in DCU and Trinity College Dublin.  She has been involved in many projects that promote the education of others around the area of additional needs, and has participated in many national and local advisory groups to advance the educational experiences of students with additional educational needs.