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Neurodevelopmental

Specific learning disorder

Persistent difficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysorthography) or mathematics (dyscalculia), far below what is expected despite adequate education and normal intelligence.

Common signs

Slow reading or many errorsPersistent spelling mistakesDifficulty with calculation and numbers

Tips

For you

  1. Neuropsychological assessment with a report for the school
  2. Ask for adjustments: extra time, oral exams, support
  3. Boost self-esteem: difficulty isn't a lack of ability

For family and friends

  1. Work with the school to ask for adjustments
  2. Praise what they do well, not just their grades

When to ask for help

  1. If the difficulties continue despite school support
  2. If anxiety or school refusal appear

Test for families

For parents or relatives: answer thinking about the child or person you are worried about, over the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Reads slowly or with many mistakes
2. Confuses similar letters (b/d, p/q)
3. Makes lots of spelling mistakes
4. Finds it hard to understand what they read
5. Has difficulty with calculation or numbers
6. Takes a long time to do homework
7. Avoids reading or writing
8. Says they are "stupid" or no good at studying

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Learning disordersFree resource from Clínica VivaldiFree guide: Childhood and youthFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Intellectual disabilityNeurodevelopmentalGlobal developmental delayNeurodevelopmentalLanguage disorderNeurodevelopmentalSpeech sound disorderNeurodevelopmental

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.