SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Posted on 26 May 2017 by Nick Chubb

Everyone learns in different ways, with different strengths and weaknesses. This variety means that some people have difficulty learning and working in conventional ways; officially this is referred to as having a Specific Learning Difficulty. You may have a Specific Learning Difficulty without even realising and there is a huge amount of support available to anyone who has been diagnosed.
We’ve compiled some information on the four most common Specific Learning Difficulties to help you get a better understanding of what to look out for and where to get support if you or someone you know needs extra support.

DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia means difficulty with words; in reality, though, it’s not a learning difficulty but a learning difference. It affects the way the brain processes sound, visual information and movement. It also means that dyslexic people use their long-term memory much more when learning. It has nothing to do with intelligence, gender or background and is very common. It’s estimated that one in ten of us is affected by dyslexia and one in 20 of us affected severely.

RECOGNISING DYSLEXIA

As with everyone, people with dyslexia have strengths and weaknesses which vary from person to person. However, there are some strengths and weaknesses which people with dyslexia may experience more often:

Strengths:

Verbal communication
Thinking outside the box
Quick problem solving
Practical Skills
Seeing the bigger picture

Weaknesses:

Reading hesitantly or misreading
Difficult with sequences
Poor time management
Difficulty in thinking clearly
Sense of Direction

Sometimes it takes a lot of energy to overcome some of these weaknesses, meaning you can experience tiredness and stress associated with the condition.

UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA

Growing up, it may have taken you longer to learn the alphabet or the days of the week, telling the time in digital and analogue formats or the order of the ship’s routine. In practical terms, it may have been difficult getting radar plotting into your head or it might take longer to identify which fire extinguisher is used for the different types of ignition.

If you have dyslexia you will probably have developed your own strategies to overcome a lot of the difficulties involved, but it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses and ask for support when required.

DYSLEXIA SUPPORT

DYSPRAXIA

Dyspraxia is also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder. It is a learning difficulty which affects movement. This covers everything from dexterity (fine movement of fingers) to turning left or right when walking. People with dyspraxia may be described by those who are unaware of it as clumsy or awkward. In reality, though, it’s a neurological condition affecting the brain’s ability to send messages to the body’s muscles.

RECOGNISING DYSPRAXIA

If you have dyspraxia you may find routine tasks more difficult than your counterparts. Anything from ironing a uniform to carrying your plate from the galley hatch to your table may present a challenge. Although the signs will vary from person to person, below are some of the problems you may experience if you have dyspraxia:

Gross motor coordination – poor balance and posture, fatigue, difficulty in standing for long periods of time, poor hand-eye coordination.
Fine motor co-ordination – poor dexterity, difficulty in tying shoe laces, handwriting and typing.
Speech and language – may have unclear speech, repeat themselves and speech with uncontrolled pitch, volume and rate.
Thought and memory – difficulty planning and organising thought, poor organisation, poor memory and slightly unfocused.
Emotion and behaviour – difficulty listening to people (especially in large groups) impulsive behaviour, easily frustrated, low self-esteem, easily stressed.

UNDERSTANDING DYSPRAXIA

Like dyslexia, dyspraxia has nothing to do with intelligence or background. It can become frustrating to live with dyspraxia as the condition means you cannot always do things as quickly or as smoothly as you may want. For example, it can be difficult to learn how to tie basic bends and hitches and on smaller ships, you may find it harder to keep balance when it’s pitching and rolling at sea.

Whatever the symptom, it is important not to get disheartened or overly frustrated with your situation. There is no cure for dyspraxia, but there are many strategies that can be catered to the individual to help them get on better at work and life.

DYSPRAXIA SUPPORT

DYSCALCULIA

Dyscalculia affects the ability to acquire arithmetic skills, the general concept of the number does not come easily to dyscalculic individuals. It affects 3-6% of the population and is sometimes referred to as ‘dyslexia for numbers’. Where it is purely the arithmetic ability which is affected, abilities in other areas can be excellent.

RECOGNISING DYSCALCULIA

In terms of causes and treatments, less is known about dyscalculia then dyspraxia or dyslexia. However, symptoms are well established can be recognised quite easily.

Counting: Can usually learn the sequence of numbers, but may have difficulty navigating back and forth, especially in two and threes.
Calculations: Lack of confidence when producing correct answers, this is because the brain does not use rules and procedures to build on known acts, eg they know that 5 + 3 = 8, but do not necessarily work out that 3 + 5 = 8, or the 4 + 5 = 9.
Zeros: May find it difficult to grasp that the words ten, hundred, and thousands have the same relationship to each other as the numerals 10, 100 or 1000.
Measures: Difficulty handling money or telling time, speed or temperature.
Direction / Orientation: May have difficulty understanding spatial awareness ( left/right) causing difficulties following directions with map reading.

UNDERSTANDING DYSCALCULIA

Whether on the bridge of a ship, in the engine room, or in the galley we often need to work out sums in our heads. Dyscalculia can be a frustrating and debilitating learning need to have. As there is very little ready-made support available, support for personnel with dyscalculia takes the form of one to one coaching. If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust or get in touch with us for independent advice.

DYSCALCULIA SUPPORT

VISUAL STRESS

Visual Stress is also known as Irlen Syndrome and primarily affects reading and writing activities. It is caused by a difference in the way the brain processes the information fed to it by the optic nerve. Because people with visual stress will often notice their symptoms whilst performing the same activities as dyslexic people, they are often mixed up. In fact, Irlen’s is a very complex and variable condition which may coexist with other learning needs.

RECOGNISING VISUAL STRESS

Visual stress is a processing problem impacted by sensitivity to light, glare and black and white contrast, meaning that reading and writing can cause discomfort. It is the knock-on effects of visual stress which cause learning difficulties.

The discomfort is caused by your eyes constantly striving to adapt to changes in print of the white background. Generally speaking, this can bring on fatigue, discomfort, headaches, feelings of nausea and sore eyes. A consequence of this discomfort is a lack of attention span, slow and inefficient reading and therefore poor comprehension. Seafarers who suffer from visual stress often experience some of the following symptoms:

Poor attention span and concentration
Sensitivity to light, brightness and glare
Poor depth perception and spatial awareness
Distortions of words, tunnel vision
Distortions of the environment
Physical discomfort
Headaches and migraines

UNDERSTANDING VISUAL STRESS

There are a number of ways to alleviate the discomfort associated with visual stress. Coloured overlays or glasses will allow you to read print without it moving or blurring. This will assist in achieving greater attention span and therefore confidence with reading and writing. Coloured overlays or glasses will also help get rid of symptoms like nausea, headaches, or irritable eyes. It is usually a relatively straightforward solution to a potentially debilitating condition. It is imperative, however, that you do not use coloured glasses while involved in any kind of bridge watchkeeping.

VISUAL STRESS SUPPORT

We are experts in distance learning and the unique needs and challenges that seafarers face when studying. For confidential independent advice and guidance on any Specific Learning Difficulty, or to arrange a diagnostic test, you can contact the Marine Society Education team by email, or on 0207 654 7050.