Learning Disabilities / Differences Glossary (A–Z)

Clear, respectful definitions with everyday examples — to support learners, families, and schools.

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This glossary explains common terms for learning disabilities/differences in friendly language. Every learner is unique; these definitions are a guide, not labels.

Note: This page is educational and not a diagnostic tool or medical advice.

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Letter A

Accommodations: Supports that remove barriers while keeping the same learning goals (e.g., audiobooks, extra time, quiet room). Example: “I use a quiet space for tests so I can focus.”
APD (Auditory Processing Differences/Disorder): Differences in how the brain processes sound, which can affect listening in noise or following rapid speech. Example: “Written notes help when speech is fast or rooms are noisy.”

Letter C

Co-teaching: Two educators share planning and delivery to support diverse learners in the same classroom. Example: “One teacher leads, the other supports small-group practice.”

Letter D

DCD / Dyspraxia: Differences in motor planning/coordination that can affect handwriting, organisation, or movement. Example: “I use typed assignments and break tasks into steps.”
DLD (Developmental Language Disorder): Language differences that can affect understanding or expressing ideas. Example: “Visual timetables and simple sentences make school easier.”
Dyscalculia: Differences in number sense and math processing (e.g., place value, arithmetic facts). Example: “Base-ten blocks and visuals help me ‘see’ the maths.”
Dysgraphia: Differences with handwriting/written expression (spacing, letter formation, idea-to-paper). Example: “Speech-to-text lets me get ideas out without fatigue.”
Dyslexia: Reading/spelling processing differences (decoding, phonological awareness) with many strengths in creativity and reasoning. Example: “Audiobooks help me enjoy novels without strain.”

Letter E

Executive Function: Starting tasks, planning, remembering steps, shifting focus. Example: “Checklists and body-doubling help me begin and finish work.”

Letter G

Graphic Organisers: Visual tools that structure ideas (e.g., story maps, Venn diagrams). Example: “I use a sequence map before I write.”

Letter I

Individual Support Plan (IEP/504 equivalents): A plan that documents strengths, needs, and agreed supports. Names vary by country (IEP/504 in the US, other terms elsewhere). Example: “My plan lists extra time and a reader for exams.”

Letter L

Literacy Interventions: Structured, systematic programs for reading/spelling with explicit phonics and language instruction. Example: “Short, daily lessons help me build decoding skills.”

Letter M

Modifications: Changing the learning goals (e.g., different reading level or shortened outcomes) so the task matches the learner’s current stage. Example: “I use a simplified text while building skills.”
Multisensory Instruction: Using sight, sound, movement, and touch together to learn (e.g., say it, hear it, write it, build it). Example: “We air-write and use tiles to practise spelling.”

Letter P

Phonological Awareness: Understanding the sound parts of language (rhymes, syllables, phonemes) — a core foundation for reading/spelling. Example: “We clap syllables and segment sounds before writing.”
Processing Speed: How quickly someone can take in, work with, and respond to information. Example: “Extra time helps me show what I know without rush.”

Letter R

RTI / MTSS: Tiered support models (Response to Intervention / Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) that add help as needed. Example: “I get small-group reading four times a week (Tier 2).”

Letter S

Scaffolding: Temporary supports (models, prompts, exemplars) removed as independence grows. Example: “I use a sentence starter, then try a paragraph on my own.”

Letter U

UDL (Universal Design for Learning): Planning multiple ways to engage, represent, and express learning so more people can succeed. Example: “I can show learning through a poster, a video, or a talk.”

Thank you for learning with care

If this page helped, you might also like the other glossaries in this series.

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