A very specific difficulty in mathematics, often with numeracy, but no accompanying difficulty with literacy. What to look for: pupils may have difficulty in remembering and carrying out sequenced instructions, they can confuse telephone numbers.  They might have problems with word sums or in problems following procedures in problem-solving.  They might have difficulty recognizing patterns …
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This condition is a weakness of the muscles used for speaking. What to look for: The child might speak in a whisper, have slurred speech or appear to be talking through his nose.  There may also be other physical problems related to their being unable to control their muscle movement. Children with cerebral palsy often …
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Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in the body’s cells.  Normally the nucleus of a cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, 23 inherited from the mother and 23 from the father.  In children with Down’s Syndrome, there is an extra copy of chromosome 21, meaning that there …
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Basic Facts Cerebral palsy is a condition affecting muscle control and movement.  It affects around 1 in 400 children in the UK, and is caused by an injury to the brain before, during or after birth, such as a lack of oxygen to the brain or an infection during pregnancy.  It is not progressive, and …
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This condition is caused by a lack of the collagen protein which builds bone, nails, skin, ligaments and teeth.  The absence of this leads to bones fracturing extremely easily.  Repeated fractures and weak bones can result in small stature.  This condition can lead to deafness in adulthood. What to look for:  children with this condition …
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Children may fall into this category for all sorts of reasons.  They are likely to have some or many other difficulties which cause frustration and lead to undesirable behaviour.  They may have difficulties socialisation with other people; they may find it hard to accept authority; they may be looking for attention or they may be …
Read More Behaviourally Challenged Pupils

Autism is a medical diagnosis. The conditions involves a range of disorders affecting the way a person communicates and relates to people. There can be huge differences in the way it affects individuals and each child will need an individual approach to learning. Usually shows up within first three years of life; some children may …
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Origins and Diagnosis In 1944 the Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger first described the sort of typical behaviour patterns which have come to define Asperger’s Syndrome, although at the time there was a particular focus on individuals’ lack of empathy and poor nonverbal communication skills.  More formal diagnosis came about much later, but there remains debate …
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ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Is a developmental disorder Is often hereditary Affects children at all stages of education. Estimates suggest it could be as common as 3-6% of the school population The Hyperactive-Impulsive type is more common in boys Can be co-morbid with other disorders What to look out for: It should be noted …
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Every child is an individual and children with Special Educational Needs are as different from each other as any other children, perhaps even more so.  Even if a child has had a ‘label’ attached to his/her particular special need, this does not mean that his/her needs will be exactly the same as others with the …
Read More Types of Special Educational Needs