What Are Learning Difficulties?

Learning difficulties (also known as Specific Learning Disorders) affect how a child learns specific academic skills.

These may include difficulties with:

• Reading (dyslexia)
• Writing (dysgraphia)
• Maths (dyscalculia)

​Children with learning difficulties:

• Often understand concepts but struggle with specific skills
• May perform well in some areas but not others
• Usually have age-appropriate attention when tasks are manageable

Specific Learning Disorders Support

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What is ADHD?

ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels.
Children with ADHD may:

• Have difficulty focusing or sustaining attention
• Be easily distracted
• Struggle to sit still or stay on task
• Act impulsively

​ADHD impacts how a child engages with tasks, rather than a specific academic skill.

Learn More About ADHD Support

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Key Differences Between Learning Difficulties and ADHD

Learning Difficulties

• Difficulty with specific skills (reading, writing, maths)
• Challenges are consistent in that area
• Attention may be good when tasks are manageable

ADHD

• Difficulty sustaining attention across many tasks
• Easily distracted or restless
• Challenges occur across multiple settings (school, home, activities)

Dyslexia Support

Dysgraphia Support

Dyscalculia Support

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How They Can Look Similar

This is where many parents get confused.
Both can involve:

• Falling behind at school
• Avoiding tasks
• Frustration or emotional reactions
• Difficulty completing work

​For example:

• A child with dyslexia may avoid reading because it’s hard
• A child with ADHD may avoid reading because they can’t stay focused

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Can a Child Have Both?

Yes, and this is very common.
Some children have:

• A learning difficulty and ADHD

​In these cases:

• Attention challenges can make learning difficulties harder
• Learning difficulties can increase frustration and inattention

A comprehensive understanding is important to ensure the right supports are in place.

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Signs It May Be More Likely a Learning Difficulty
​

• Struggles are specific (e.g. reading only)
• Difficulty persists despite effort
• Child can focus on other tasks they enjoy
• Strong skills in some areas but not others

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Signs It May Be More Likely ADHD
​

• Difficulty focusing across many activities
• Easily distracted in multiple settings
• Struggles with organisation and completing tasks
• Impulsivity or high activity levels

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When It’s Not Clear

In many cases, it’s not immediately obvious what is causing a child’s challenges.
That’s because:

• Learning difficulties and ADHD can overlap
• Emotional factors can also play a role
• School demands increase over time

​This is where a structured assessment can help provide clarity.

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How to Get the Right Answer

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Understand what is being observed at school
• Identify patterns across subjects

2. Observe Patterns at Home

• Is the difficulty task-specific or across all activities?
• Does your child avoid certain tasks more than others?

3. Consider an Assessment
​An assessment can help:

• Identify learning difficulties
• Identify ADHD or attention-related challenges
• Understand strengths and areas of support

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Support Your Child

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
• ADHD and learning difficulty assessment
• Clear reports and recommendations

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Attention and organisation strategies
  
• Supporting task engagement
  
• School participation
  

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Reading and literacy support
  
• Language comprehension
  
• Written expression
  

Counselling Support

• Supporting emotional wellbeing
  
• Managing frustration and anxiety
  
• Building confidence
  

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding behaviour patterns
  
• Supporting engagement and routines
  
• Practical strategies for home and school
  

Telehealth Across WA

• Flexible support options
  
• Access services from anywhere
  

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When to Seek Support

It may be helpful to seek support if:

• Your child is falling behind at school
  
• You are unsure what is causing the difficulties
  
• Challenges are ongoing or increasing
  

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Not Sure?
​
If you’re unsure whether your child’s challenges are related to ADHD, a learning difficulty, or both, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Contact us to get started
Ask about assessments or support options
Access services across Perth, Mandurah, and WA

​Book a free 20-minute call with our team

Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

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