What is Specific Learning Difficulties?

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) are an umbrella term encompassing various learning differences that influence how individuals learn and process information. These difficulties may affect areas such as reading, writing, and spelling, mathematics, memory, and information processing (British Dyslexia Association [BDA], n.d.). Dyslexia is among the most common SpLD and primarily affects accurate and fluent word reading and spelling (International Dyslexia Association [IDA], 2025).

What is Dyslexia?

According to the revised definition adopted by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA, 2025), dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterised by persistent difficulties in accurate and/or fluent word reading and spelling. Its causes are complex, involving interacting genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences, and its nature and severity vary across individuals.

In Hong Kong, China, our research team estimated the prevalence of dyslexia at approximately 9.7% - 12.6% (Chan et al., 2007). Research on developmental dyslexia in Chinese has identified difficulties in areas such as rapid naming, orthographic and morphological processing, and working memory, although individual profiles vary (Ho et al., 2002, 2004; Chung et al., 2011, 2012).

Dyslexia can also present challenges when learning English as a second language. Hong Kong Chinese children with dyslexia have been found to experience difficulties in both Chinese and English word reading, including particular difficulties in English phonological awareness (Chung & Ho, 2010). These findings highlight the importance of considering both first- and second-language literacy development when providing support.

Beyond literacy, dyslexia may also be associated with social-emotional challenges. Hong Kong Chinese adolescents with dyslexia reported higher levels of general and reading anxiety and lower reading self-concept than their typically developing peers (Chung et al., 2024). Supporting learners with dyslexia should therefore address not only their literacy needs, but also their emotional well-being and confidence as learners.