Specific Learning Difficulties is an umbrella term covering a range of developmental learning problems that are biological in origin, have a high heritability, are largely independent of intelligence and socio-economic factors, and who individual differences in severity (BDA 2006).

Under the heading of SpLDs, the British Dyslexia Association (2007) lists the following:

• Dyslexia,
• Dysphasia,
• speech and language delay and/or deficit;
• Dyspraxia,
• motor and co-ordination difficulties,
• Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD);
• Autism,
• Aspergers Syndrome,
• Tourette Syndrome.

The term Specific Learning Difficulties is often used synonymously with Dyslexia. Whilst specialist tutors support students with any SpLD, they are usually referred to as Dyslexia Specialist Teachers or Dyslexia Support Tutors since Dyslexia is the most common form of SpLD. There is a high degree of comorbidity of the forms of SpLDs, which has to also be taken into consideration in support provided.