What Is Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)? Types, Signs & Support

Specific Learning Disorder, commonly shortened to SLD, is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect how a person learns to read, write, or do maths. It is not a reflection of intelligence. Children with SLD are often just as capable as their peers — their brains simply process certain types of information differently, which makes some academic skills harder to acquire.

If you have come across the abbreviation SLD and are not sure what it means, that is common. The term is widely used in schools and health settings but rarely explained clearly. This article covers what SLD is, how it is identified, and what role a speech pathologist plays in supporting children who have it.

According to Raising Children Network, it is important to distinguish between general learning difficulties — which many children experience temporarily — and a specific learning disorder, which is a unique, ongoing, and diagnosed condition. Not every child who struggles at school has SLD, but for those who do, early identification and the right support make a significant difference.

Types of Specific Learning Disorder

There are three main types of SLD, each affecting a different area of learning. It is possible for a child to have more than one.

Dyslexia — difficulty with reading

Dyslexia is the most well-known type of SLD. It affects a child’s ability to decode written words, recognise letters and sounds, and read fluently. Children with dyslexia often have strong verbal skills and comprehension but struggle to get those same ideas on paper or to read at the pace expected for their age. Research suggests up to 10% of Australians are affected by dyslexia, though many remain undiagnosed.

Dysgraphia — difficulty with writing

Dysgraphia affects a child’s ability to produce written language. This can involve difficulty with handwriting, spelling, organising thoughts on paper, or the physical act of forming letters. It is often less recognised than dyslexia but significantly impacts a child’s ability to participate in classroom tasks. You can read more about dysgraphia and how speech pathologists can help on our site.

Dyscalculia — difficulty with maths

Dyscalculia affects how a child understands and works with numbers. Children with dyscalculia may have difficulty grasping number concepts, counting sequences, mathematical operations, or problem solving. It is the least commonly diagnosed of the three types, partly because it is less well understood and less frequently assessed.

Signs of SLD by Age

SLD is not usually identified until a child starts school, because that is when reading, writing, and numeracy demands become clear. However, there are early signs worth watching for.

Prep to Year 2 (early primary)

• Difficulty learning letter names and the sounds they represent
• Slow to pick up reading compared to classmates despite good instruction
• Frequent reversal of letters or numbers beyond what is typical for age
• Struggles to rhyme or break words into syllables
• Avoids reading aloud or writing tasks
• Difficulty remembering sequences, such as days of the week or the alphabet

Years 3 to 6 (upper primary)

Signs can sometimes become harder to spot in older children because they learn to compensate. Watch for:

• Reading that is slow, effortful, or inaccurate despite years of instruction
• Written work that does not reflect the child’s verbal ability or ideas
• Poor spelling that does not improve with practice
• Significant difficulty with written assignments that require planning and structure
• Avoidance of school tasks, declining confidence, or frustration around academic work

If you are noticing these signs, it is worth seeking an assessment rather than waiting. Raising Children Network recommends acting early if you have concerns — talking to your child’s teacher is a useful first step, alongside seeking advice from a speech pathologist or educational psychologist.

The Role of a Speech Pathologist in SLD

SLD is formally diagnosed by an educational psychologist. However, a speech pathologist plays an important role in the assessment process and is often the first professional parents consult when they have concerns about their child’s literacy.

A speech pathologist can assess:

• Phonological awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in words, which underpins reading and spelling
• Sound-letter knowledge and phonics skills
• Oral language comprehension and vocabulary, which directly affect reading for meaning
• Narrative and written language skills

These assessment results are then passed on to the educational psychologist as part of the broader diagnostic process. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a speech pathologist can also deliver evidence-based literacy intervention, including structured synthetic phonics programs such as Sounds-Write and Jolly Phonics, which are tailored to the child’s specific profile.

Our speech pathology services for children include assessment and support for children with SLD (including delivering the evidence-based program, Sounds-Write, mentioned above). Sessions are delivered online via Zoom video call, which means children can access support regardless of where they are in Australia.

How to Get an SLD Assessment in Australia

You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist. Most families start by booking an initial consultation, during which the speech pathologist will discuss your concerns, gather background information, and recommend whether a full literacy assessment is appropriate.

If SLD is suspected, the speech pathologist will complete their assessment and provide a report. This report is then shared with an educational psychologist, who can formally diagnose SLD and coordinate any further support. In some cases, a paediatrician may also be involved.

Funding options for SLD assessment and therapy in Australia include:

• Medicare — a GP can refer your child under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, providing a rebate for up to five sessions per year
• Private health insurance — many policies include a speech pathology benefit
• NDIS — if your child has a confirmed diagnosis that meets NDIS eligibility criteria, funding for speech pathology may be available under their plan

If you are unsure about funding, our team can help you understand your options when you book an initial consultation.

Sessions are available via online speech therapy — making it easier to access expert support without the need to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About SLD

What is the difference between a learning difficulty and a specific learning disorder?

A learning difficulty is a general term for any struggle with school-based tasks, and many children experience these temporarily. A specific learning disorder is a formal diagnosis that is characterised by being serious, persistent, and not explained by other factors such as lack of instruction or a different underlying condition. The distinction matters because SLD requires a specific type of support that general tutoring alone is unlikely to address.

Who can diagnose SLD in Australia?

SLD is formally diagnosed by an educational psychologist. A speech pathologist contributes to the assessment process by evaluating phonological awareness, literacy skills, and oral language, and provides a report to support the psychologist’s diagnosis. In some cases, a paediatrician may also be involved.

Can a speech pathologist help with dyslexia?

Yes. Speech pathologists are trained to assess and treat the literacy difficulties associated with dyslexia, including phonological awareness deficits, decoding difficulties, and spelling. They can deliver structured synthetic phonics programs that are individually tailored and evidence-based. Speech pathology is often the most effective intervention for children with dyslexia, particularly when started early.

At what age should I get my child assessed?

If you have concerns, it is worth acting as soon as you notice persistent difficulties — there is no benefit in waiting. Early intervention produces better outcomes. SLD can be assessed from around Year 1 onwards, though speech pathologists can also assess phonological awareness and early literacy skills in preschool-aged children if there are signs of concern.

Does SLD affect adults too?

Yes. SLD is a lifelong condition. Many adults with SLD were never formally diagnosed as children and have developed their own coping strategies over time. If you are an adult who has always struggled with reading, writing, or spelling, our adult speech pathology service can help clarify what is happening and open the door to targeted support.

Book an SLD Assessment with Care Speech Pathology

If you are concerned about your child’s reading, writing, or learning, Care Speech Pathology offers initial consultations online via Zoom video call with no waitlist. We work with children across Australia and can help you understand whether a formal SLD assessment is the right next step.

Book your initial consultation here — or contact our team with any questions.