Learning Difficulties in Children and Adults: Understanding the Underlying Cognitive Causes

​Many learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia and processing challenges are linked to underlying cognitive functions that affect how the brain processes information for learning.

When Cognitive Functions Are Weak​

There are times when it is obvious that some cognitive functions, or a combination of functions, are not as strong as they should be. 

It becomes evident in school, at work, in everyday tasks, and in social settings.

Some people are diagnosed as having learning disabilities (learning difficulties). Some are given more specific diagnoses such as Dyslexia (reading difficulties), Dysgraphia (writing difficulties), Dyscalculia (math difficulties), Non-Verbal learning disabilities, Memory difficulties, Auditory Processing Disorder, Executive Function Disorder (ADD/ADHD).  
​Explore Your Child’s Cognitive Profile
Signs of Underlying Cognitive Learning Difficulties
Sometimes learning difficulties are not immediately obvious through a diagnosis. Instead, they appear as patterns in how a child learns, remembers information or processes tasks.

Parents may notice signs such as:

  • Struggling to remember instructions or steps in tasks
  • Difficulty concentrating for extended periods
  • Slow reading or difficulty understanding what was read
  • Trouble organising thoughts when writing
  • Difficulty remembering recently learned information
  • Struggling with maths concepts despite effort
  • Trouble following multi-step instructions
  • Becoming easily overwhelmed with schoolwork
  • Taking much longer than peers to complete tasks
  • Strong verbal ability but difficulty with written work

Many of these challenges are connected to underlying cognitive functions that support learning such as memory, reasoning, auditory processing and attention.
How the Arrowsmith Program Strengthens These Cognitive Functions

Learning Diagnoses - The Underlying Cause

Learning disabilities, learning difficulties, or learning disorders are terms used to encompass various learning problems. It's crucial to understand that these challenges don't stem from a lack of intelligence or motivation.

In fact, many individuals with learning difficulties are bright – their brains are simply wired differently.

Arrowsmith understands that wiring: the neural pathways and networks crucial for learning, as well as the complexities surrounding learning issues. We understand that learning disabilities are essentially specific cognitive functions that are not performing at their optimum level."
Common Learning Difficulties
Explore common learning difficulties below to understand how different cognitive functions affect learning.
"Neurons that fire together wire together"
​


Donald O' Hebb
Pioneer in Neuropsychology, The Father of Neuropsychology
"If a network supporting a brain function is repeatedly stimulated through practice and training, it will become stronger, contributing to the optimisation of that brain function."

Alvaro Fernandez
Sharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness
Discover Your Unique Cognitive Profile
Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire
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​Take our 30-minute cognitive profile questionnaire to start the journey into understanding your brain's strengths and weaknesses through a cognitive lens.
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Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment
​The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment, administered by an Arrowsmith trained professional, will provide you with an in-depth insight into your unique cognitive profile. 
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