Could It Be a Learning Difficulty? Understanding the Signs, Guidance, and the Role of Supplements
While your child is at school, you may notice a lingering sense that they are not keeping up with their peers. Their confidence in schoolwork may begin to slip, and it can be difficult to understand why. In some cases, your child may be experiencing a learning difficulty. Around 1 in 10 children are affected.
Although learning difficulties are often identified during childhood, many individuals are not diagnosed until adulthood. Over time, they may develop ways to manage challenges with reading, writing, mathematics, or maintaining focus. These difficulties can continue throughout life, influencing education, work, and everyday activities. Learning difficulties are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions and do not disappear with age.
It is important to remember that having a learning difficulty does not reflect a person’s intelligence. It simply means the brain processes information differently. With the right support, people of all ages can thrive, and it is never too late to seek help.
What exactly is a learning difficulty?
A learning difficulty is an ongoing challenge that affects key areas such as reading, spelling, writing, or mathematics. A child or adult experiencing this may find they are performing below expected levels in one or more of these areas.
It is important to note that occasional struggles with schoolwork or difficulty concentrating on less interesting subjects are completely normal. This does not necessarily indicate a learning difficulty. Concern arises when challenges are persistent, occur across multiple areas, and continue over an extended period of time.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, learning problems and learning difficulties are not the same. Learning problems are often linked to external factors such as life circumstances, stress, or trauma, or may be related to physical issues such as hearing or vision impairment. When these underlying causes are addressed, learning ability may improve.
Learning difficulties, however, are ongoing. While they cannot be cured, they can be supported and managed effectively.
What are some signs that shouldn’t be ignored?
You may notice certain patterns in yourself or your child that persist over time. These signs can include:
- A lack of enthusiasm for reading or writing
- Difficulty with memory and recall
- Working at a slower pace than expected
- Trouble staying on task or following instructions
- Difficulty understanding abstract concepts
- Either very limited or overly intense attention to detail
- Challenges with social skills
Consider nutrition
The brain is made up of around 60% fats and oils, highlighting the importance of including the right types of fats in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, play an important role in supporting brain health.
Many modern Western diets are low in omega-3s and higher in processed fats, which are less supportive of brain development. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) like Omega 3 DHA and EPA and Omega 6 GLA are considered essential because the body cannot produce them on its own. They are known to support cognitive function and are linked to healthy neurological development.
Oily fish is one of the best natural sources of omega-3s. For growing children especially, ensuring an adequate intake is important for brain development.
Know your essentials
There are two key types of unsaturated fatty acids, known as omega fatty acids, that are important to include in your diet:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the precursor to the omega-3 fatty acid family
- Linoleic acid (LA), the precursor to the omega-6 fatty acid family
The human body is not very efficient when it comes to processing fats and fatty acids. Importantly, these two essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet.
In addition to often not consuming enough of these fats, many people may also lack the necessary enzymes required for their proper conversion. Without these enzymes, the body may struggle to convert alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid from food into their active forms—EPA, DHA, and GLA.
As a result, some individuals may benefit from supplementation to obtain these active forms directly. Two commonly used sources are fish oil and evening primrose oil. However, not all supplements are the same. For supporting brain function and learning, it is specific active components extracted from whole fish oil and whole evening primrose oil that are considered most relevant.
Standard combinations of fish oil and evening primrose oil, commonly found in many stores, are typically formulated for different purposes, such as general anti-inflammatory support for heart health or joint discomfort. In addition, quality is important—products should be verified for purity and should not be low-grade or poorly refined oils.
For targeted support relating to brain function and learning, specialised formulations containing these extracted active components—such as those found in products like Eye Q—may be considered.
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Digestive Health May Influence Learning
Emerging research suggests that a child or adult’s ability to learn, focus, and regulate emotions may be influenced by more than brain function alone. One of the most important developments in recent years is the understanding of the communication system between the digestive system and the brain.
Within the digestive system is a highly complex network of nerves containing over 500 million neurons, more than the spinal cord. Because of this, scientists often refer to the gut as a “second brain.” While it does not think or reason in the same way as the brain, it is constantly sending and receiving signals that can influence how the brain functions.
This communication occurs through several key pathways. The vagus nerve acts as a direct connection between the gut and the brain. The immune system is also heavily involved, with most immune cells located in the gut and releasing chemical signals that can influence brain activity. In addition, gut microbes produce a wide range of compounds, including neurotransmitters, while gut hormones released into the bloodstream can also affect brain function and behaviour.
Inside the gut lives a vast community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. These organisms play an important role not only in digestion but also in the production and regulation of chemicals that influence mood, focus, and cognitive development. For example, around 90% of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, learning, and social behaviour, is produced in the gut. The gut microbiome also contributes to the regulation of GABA, which supports calmness and emotional balance, and dopamine, which is important for motivation, attention, and learning.
Research is increasingly exploring links between the balance and diversity of gut bacteria and different aspects of cognitive development in children, as well as brain function in adults. Some studies suggest that changes in gut microbiota may be associated with differences in executive function, including working memory, flexibility, and self-control. There is also emerging evidence linking microbial diversity with early language development, as well as possible connections between gut-related inflammation and attention difficulties.
While this area of research is still developing, early findings suggest that even small changes in the gut environment may be associated with measurable differences in learning, cognition, and behaviour.
Probiotics are currently being studied for their potential role in supporting a healthy gut microbiome and, in turn, supporting healthy gut-brain communication.
Although more research is needed, one message is becoming increasingly clear. The brain does not work in isolation. It is part of a wider system that is closely connected to digestive health. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome may therefore be an important consideration in supporting learning, focus, and memory.
