ABSTRACT
The most frequent sources of special educational needs are difficulties in learning which, in various degrees, hinder the development of literacy and numeracy skills needed in other areas of the curriculum. The sources of such difficulties may include slow cognitive development (reasoning, problem solving, remembering and generalising) and slow language development. However, some children of average or even superior abilities may have marked difficulties in acquiring reading and writing skills. Emotional and adjustment difficulties may contribute to learning difficulties, sometimes as a result of unsettled home circumstances, sometimes as a consequence of feelings of failure. Mild sensory disabilities, speech and language difficulties, health problems resulting in absences, irregular attendance for other reasons are frequently additional factors.
