The umbrella-phrase ‘Specific Learning Difficulties’ (SpLDs) is used to describe a number of challenges that an individual can encounter when learning and processing information, and these challenges are independent of general intelligence. In fact, SpLDs can manifest themselves in people of all levels of intellectual abilities.

Many individuals with SpLDs refer to themselves as having ‘Specific Learning Differences’, which emphasises the fact that they are likely to perceive and process information in a different way since their brain and neural pathways are wired differently (Wolf, 2008). In other words, people with SpLDs are neurodiverse and are likely to have a holistic (rather than linear) view of the world.

Many people with SpLDs tend to be intuitive and inventive, think out of the box, simultaneously seeing both the bigger picture likely consequences, and be good at problem solving. For instance, a SpLD such as dyslexia has been reported to be disproportionally present among business entrepreneurs. About 20% of self-starters in the UK have dyslexia and, because of their cognitive / personality traits (e.g., ability to listen and empathise with people and their aims), attributes and early experiences (e.g., from an early age, they have learnt to rely upon and trust other people with tasks they cannot do themselves), they have developed excellent interpersonal communication, people management and delegation skills (Logan, in Tickle 2015).