What are specific learning differences?
Specific learning differences (SpLDs) are lifelong differences in how people learn and process certain kinds of information. They’re not illnesses or diseases, and they have nothing to do with intelligence. Many people with an SpLD found that school or exams never reflected their real ability, especially in subjects that relied on reading, writing or timed tests.
SpLDs often run in families, and many people have more than one. They also commonly occur alongside ADHD or autism.
- 1 in 10
- people thought to be dyslexic
- ~5%
- thought to have dyspraxia (DCD)
- 0
- link between SpLDs and intelligence
The four most common SpLDs
Dyslexia
Dyslexia mainly affects reading and spelling. Reading takes more effort and words, letters or lines can seem to jump or swap. It can also affect short-term memory, the speed of processing written information, organisation and handwriting, especially under pressure.
At sea, it might show up as: finding long written procedures, small-print forms or chart corrections slow and tiring; mixing up similar-looking words or numbers on paperwork; or struggling with timed written exams despite being highly skilled at the job.
Dyspraxia
Also called developmental coordination disorder (DCD), dyspraxia affects coordination and movement. It can affect fine motor skills (such as handwriting or small tools), balance, spatial awareness, organisation and planning, and sometimes speech.
At sea, it might show up as: taking longer to learn new physical tasks; difficulty with fiddly tools or knots at first; or finding it hard to organise kit and plan multi-step jobs. Many people with dyspraxia develop excellent strategies and become highly competent.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia affects the ability to understand and work with numbers. People may find mental arithmetic, estimating, remembering figures, reading scales or counting backwards hard, and some experience maths anxiety.
At sea, it might show up as: finding stability calculations, fuel figures or time-zone changes harder to do in your head, while being perfectly capable with a calculator, a checklist and time to check.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia affects writing: forming letters legibly, spelling, and turning thoughts into written words. Clinically it may now be described as a specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression.
At sea, it might show up as: messy or slow handwritten logs and reports, while being clear and articulate when speaking.
The strengths that come with SpLDs
People with SpLDs often bring:
- innovative thinking and creativity
- a natural talent for troubleshooting and problem-solving
- strong 3D and spatial thinking
- the ability to see the big picture and connect ideas
- practical, hands-on skills (often less so for people with dyspraxia)
- persistence and determination, built from working around barriers
- strong verbal communication
There is no reason why someone with a specific learning difference cannot be a rating, an officer or a Master. With a few simple adjustments, they are as capable as anyone else, and often more so.
These strengths suit roles such as marine engineer, ROV technician, deck supervisor, crane operator, offshore wind technician, CAD designer and cargo planner: anywhere that solving problems in three dimensions matters.
What helps
Most barriers come from how information is presented, not from the work itself.
Instead of
- Dense blocks of text in small print
- Instructions only in writing
- Timed written exams
- Handwritten logs and forms
- Asking someone to read aloud or take minutes
Try
- Clear layouts, headings, numbered steps and plain English
- Demonstrating hands-on, with diagrams and photos
- Extra time (often 25%) and clear, unambiguous questions
- Digital forms that work with spellcheck and text-to-speech
- Checking first, privately, whether they’re comfortable
Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, reading rulers, coloured overlays and mind-mapping software, can make a huge difference. In some countries, government schemes can help fund it. See our guide to funding for support at work. See also our guide to clear communication at sea.
Common myths
“Poor spelling means low intelligence.” Wrong. Spelling has nothing to do with intelligence.
“Learning differences are an excuse for not trying at school.” Incorrect. SpLDs reflect differences in how the brain processes information. No amount of “trying harder” changes that.
“Dyslexic people read backwards.” Not usually. Dyslexia affects everyone differently.
“SpLDs affect men more than women.” More men are diagnosed, but this is likely because women and girls are overlooked, not because SpLDs are rarer in them.
“You can’t be a navigating officer if you’re dyslexic.” False. Many dyslexic seafarers hold command.
“SpLDs can be treated with medication.” No. Support, strategies and assistive technology are what help.