Learning & School
Academic difficulties
Academic difficulties usually become a concern to parents and teachers when a child with average or better intellectual ability is still struggling with everyday reading, writing or calculation tasks. Children are often evaluated much later than when the signs first appeared, so early attention makes a real difference.
Also searched as: Learning difficulties, School struggles, Specific learning disability (umbrella term).
What the evidence says
Common
learning disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia are among the most common childhood neurodevelopmental conditions
- Reading, writing or maths tasks take far longer than expected for the child's age
- Difficulty with comprehension or concentration despite average or higher intelligence
- Marks that do not reflect classroom understanding or effort
- Frustration, avoidance or loss of confidence around schoolwork
- Symptoms present from the preschool or early primary years, even if noticed later
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can assess.
- Comprehensive assessment to understand the specific pattern of difficulty
- Individualised education plans and multi-sensory teaching from special educators
- Occupational therapy where fine motor, muscle tone or sensory processing is also affected
- Counselling to protect confidence and self-esteem alongside academic work
- Collaboration with parents and schools so support is consistent everywhere
Not sure yet?
Check the signs in someone you love: Learning difficulty: signs in my child
Thinking about your child's schoolwork over the past year, how often do you notice these? Scored on your device only, nothing is stored, and it is not a diagnosis.
The care pathway
What each professional actually does here
Care for this concern is usually shared. Here is how each discipline contributes, so nothing feels like a black box.
Special educators assess each child's strengths and challenges, then build an individualised education plan using specialised, multi-sensory teaching techniques. They also work with schools and parents to create inclusive learning environments and adaptive strategies.
Explore this servicePsychologists help children manage the emotional impact of academic struggle through counselling and confidence-building interventions. They create a supportive space that builds resilience alongside academic and remedial work.
Explore this serviceMany children with academic difficulties also have fine or gross motor, tone or sensory processing challenges underneath. Occupational therapists assess and build these foundational skills to support daily functioning and learning.
Explore this serviceWho you'd work with
The disciplines involved
You don't have to choose the right professional yourself — we match you after a first conversation.
Remedial Education
Remedial Education
Individualised academic support for children with learning differences, built on strengths rather than deficits.
Learn morePsychology
Psychology & Therapy
Evidence-informed therapy for adolescents, adults, couples and older adults- held in a space where you are understood as a whole person.
Learn moreOccupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Supporting children and adults to build the everyday skills that make participation, learning and independence possible.
Learn moreQuestions
Academic difficulties: questions people ask us
Short, honest answers about who helps, what to expect and how care is coordinated.
A qualified professional carries out a comprehensive assessment, including standardised tests of reading, writing or maths skills alongside a review of educational and developmental history.
No. Children with learning difficulties usually have average or above-average intelligence; the difficulty is in a specific area of processing, not overall ability.
They tend to be lifelong, but with the right support and strategies, children go on to do well academically and professionally.
Yes, and this is a common misconception. Part of our work is helping teachers, peers and parents understand what is really going on so the child is supported rather than blamed.
Yes, assessment and support are possible at any age, even if a difficulty went unrecognised through school.
Take the next step
Tell us what's happening, we'll suggest where to start
You don't have to choose the right professional yourself- we match you after a first conversation.
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