Specific learning difficulties - an introduction

This course focuses on the the impacts of Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia.   For the purposes of this course the term SpLD is used to refer to these four learning difficulties. 

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) affect 10-15% of the population, so in any educational or workplace setting there are likely to be a number of people who are managing these issues, either supported or unsupported and undiagnosed and struggling to reach their full potential.

This two-hour eLearning course has been designed to support you in developing your knowledge of SpLDs and to enable you to identify support needs within education, criminal justice, healthcare or professional workplace settings.

You will learn the broad definitions of SpLDs and the behaviours that may be associated with an undiagnosed or unsupported SpLD. Through case studies and learning materials, you will identify your role in the process of supporting children, young people and adults who may be affected, and the impact that assessment can have on ensuring that people get the right support.

This course will also look to develop your confidence in discussing with individuals and their circle of support.  

There are a range of differing perspectives on how to describe the issues addressed in this course, this learning does not cover these debates, for the purposes of clarity the authors have chosen to use the term Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), the course glossary highlights some of the other terms which you may come across.

You may also be interested in some of our other CPD courses on BPS Learn.

This course will enable you to look behind the impacts of a SpLD to recognise that there may be a need to investigate further and to provide support and adjustments. You will also be able to find out more about the assessment process and how an assessment conducted by a psychologist will contribute to the process. 

This course will seek to provide you with:

• An understanding of the impacts of SpLD so that suitable adjustments can be made for the individual.
• A psychological perspective on the issues faced by people with a SpLD and the confidence to discuss the issue with the individual and their circle of support.
• A broad understanding of the topic, increasing your confidence in dealing with situations.
• An understanding of practical applications in your day-to-day role.
• An understanding of how to support those who are going through an assessment by a qualified professional. 
• Formal evidence of professional development in your role.

On completion of this course, you will:

• Be familiar with the commonly used definitions of SpLDs and their impact and the associated risks.
• Have an understanding of the importance of assessments and when they should be used.
• Have a broad understanding of the assessment process and how to support those going through the process.
• Be able recognise common impacts of SpLDs on adults and children.
• Have looked at some of the most common method of supporting people with SpLDs. 
• Have considered how you can work successfully with people impacted by SpLDs.

If you work in an educational, workplace,  criminal justice or social care setting and you come across children, young people or adults who have an undiagnosed or unsupported SpLD this course has been designed for you.  Some examples of the roles in which the course may be useful are listed below:

Price: £48 (+VAT)

Your member discount will automatically be applied when you log in to BPS Learn.

Payments are made at point of booking through our secure online booking system. For invoicing queries see Discounts and invoices section below.

In addition to the site policies this course is subject to additional terms and conditions.

Booking on behalf of an organisation?

If you or your colleagues are looking to book onto this course as a group you can make savings by booking ten or more places. To find out more about our packages contact cpd@bps.org.uk.

Invoicing

If your organisation prefers invoicing over online payment that's no problem. We can invoice you for five or more purchases or if your purchase value is for more than £250.

Take a look at our guidance to support the process. 

In order to request an invoice please send a Purchase Order to cpd@bps.org.uk. This should include, the course title, names and contact details and BPS Membership status (where applicable) for each participant. We will issue an invoice, and once paid your learners will be provided with details of how to access their learning.

Packages for BPS Accredited education providers

We can arrange special packages for our partners at BPS Accredited education providers so that you can offer further learning to your students and colleagues. Contact cpd@bps.org.uk to find out more.

You may also be interested in our other courses on BPS Learn, including those related to neurodiversity and your personal development. 

You can also explore the range of BPS books available via Routledge.