Understanding Learning Difficulties
A guide for parents navigating their child’s learning journey
Learning difficulties can affect children in different ways, and may not be immediately obvious.
Some children struggle from an early age, while others appear to cope initially but encounter increasing challenges as academic demands grow. In many cases, these difficulties are not immediately obvious, and parents may feel unsure about what their child is experiencing or what kind of support is needed.
Our Purpose
This page is designed to help parents understand the different learning difficulties that can affect children from primary through secondary school, whether or not a formal diagnosis has been made.
It also provides an overview of how learning difficulties may present in school, and how appropriate support can help children cope more effectively with learning demands.
Learning Difficulties Can Look Different for Every Child
Children with learning difficulties may show a wide range of challenges. Some struggle with reading, writing, or spelling. Others find it hard to focus, organise their work, or apply what they have learned during lessons and examinations.
Inconsistent Results
There are also children who work very hard but continue to show inconsistent results, leading parents and teachers to wonder why effort does not translate into progress.
Overlapping Challenges
Not all learning difficulties fall neatly into a single category. Some children may show traits associated with recognised conditions, while others experience difficulties that are mild, overlapping, or less commonly supported.
Common Experience
What these children often share is that learning feels harder than it should, even when motivation and effort are present.
Common Learning Difficulties We Support
Understanding the different types of learning difficulties can help parents recognise what their child may be experiencing and what kind of support might be beneficial.
Dyslexia
Affects how language is processed, particularly in reading, writing, and spelling.
ADHD
Affects attention, impulse control, and organisation.
Autism-related learning difficulties
Affect communication, flexibility, and inference skills.
Global Developmental Delay
Involves delays across multiple developmental areas.
Speech & Language Difficulties
Affect understanding and expression of language.
Other Learning Difficulties
Include less common, overlapping, or individually unique learning challenges that do not fit neatly into a single category.
When Learning Difficulties Are Not Addressed
When learning difficulties are not properly understood or supported, children may become increasingly frustrated, anxious, or disengaged from learning.
Tuition alone may not help if the difficulty lies in how a child processes or applies information.
How Learning Intervention Supports Children
Focus on Process
Learning intervention focuses on how a child learns rather than increasing drilling.
Customised Approach
Support is customised and adapted over time.
Taking the Next Step
Initial Consultation
An initial consultation helps explore concerns and discuss possible support pathways.
Progressive Understanding
Understanding often develops progressively over time.
Support That Makes a Difference
Every child’s learning journey is unique. With the right understanding and support, children can develop strategies to cope more effectively with learning demands and build confidence in their abilities.
About Cognitive Development Learning Centre
Cognitive Development Learning Centre is a Singapore-based learning intervention centre established in 2009.
Ready to explore support for your child?
Contact us to discuss your concerns and learn how we can help your child navigate their learning journey with greater confidence and success.