Hidden impairments and disabilities

In this section:

 Dyslexia 

  Dyscalculia 

  Dyspraxia 

  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

  Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) 

 

Dyslexia

Mainly affecting words, sounds, memory and sequencing.

• Dyslexia is one of a family of  Specific Learning Difficulties.
• Many people who have dyslexia have strong visual, creative and problem-solving skills.
• Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence but can make learning difficult.
• Dyslexia is a life-long condition which may have a substantial effect on an individual’s daily activities. It is classed as a disability.
• Dyslexia varies from person to person and no two people will have the same set of strengths and difficulties.
• It often co-occurs with related conditions such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• People with dyslexia often have difficulty processing and remembering information.

Most people with dyslexia have developed coping strategies; however, they often experience difficulties as a result of unnecessary barriers encountered in the workplace.

Dyslexia affects people in different ways. They are likely to have positive attributes and strengths in other areas.

Possible difficulties are usually present in the following areas:

• Reading hesitancy
• Misreading, making understanding difficult.
• Difficulty with sequences, for example getting dates in order.
• Poor organisation and time management
• Difficulty organising thoughts clearly, and;
• Erratic spelling.

 

Dyscalculia

Affecting maths, reasoning, and calculation.

Dyscalculia is defined as ‘a condition that affects the ability to acquire maths skills. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and processes. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence.

People with dyscalculia may have trouble with basic aspects of number and arithmetic such as:

• Counting  - May be able to count in sequence but find it difficult when counting times tables.
• Calculations  – May have difficulty learning and recalling number facts. Also do not use rules or procedures to build on known fact, they may know that 2+5=7 but do not know that 5+2=7.
• Operations  – May have difficulty when handling money or telling the time.
• Orientation  – Can have difficulties with spatial awareness including left and right.

There is no formal diagnostic test specifically for dyscalculia; however, with appropriate support and adjustments most staff should effectively manage their daily work duties.

 

Dyspraxia 

Mainly affecting spatial awareness, motor skills and coordination.

Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and co-ordination.

Dyspraxia does not affect your intelligence, but it can affect your co-ordination skills – such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car. Dyspraxia can also affect your fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.

Peoples experience of dyspraxia vary considerably.

If you have dyspraxia it may affect:

• Your co-ordination, balance, and movement
• How you learn new skills, think, and remember information at work and home
• Your ability to write, type, draw and grasp small objects.
• How you function in social situations
• How you deal with your emotions, and;
• Time management, planning and personal organisation skills.

Dyspraxia can affect people of all intellectual abilities.

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Mainly affects attention, concentration, planning, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is now the official name. However, some people still use the term ADD if they do not experience symptoms of hyperactivity.

People’s experience of ADHD varies considerably.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty concentrating and attention to detail.
• Starting new tasks before finishing old ones.
• Difficulty with organisational skills.
• Difficulty focusing or prioritising.
• Continually losing or misplacing things.
• Forgetfulness.
• Hyperactivity.
• Impulsiveness - acting without thinking.
• Restlessness and edginess.
• Becoming easily irritated and/or impatient, and;
• Difficulty dealing with stress.

ADHD can affect people of all intellectual abilities.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Difficulties with social interaction, communication, and perception/imagination.

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, people with autism have their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you have autism it may affect:

• Your understanding about what others are thinking or feeling.
• Anxiety about social situations.
• Ability to make friends - you may prefer being on your own.
• The way other people see your behaviour, you may appear disinterested or blunt in manner.
• Your ability to say how you are feeling.
• How you understand sarcasm or humour, you may take things literally, and;
• Your anxiety if routines change, you may prefer having the same routine every day.

 

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