Children with special learning needs refers to children with learning difficulties, a behaviour disorder and/or a disability. These children have diverse abilities and learning needs. Parents or caregivers are often the first to notice that their child's development is delayed or that their child is having problems at school.
The term disability includes children with an intellectual disability, physical disability, vision impairment, hearing impairment, language disorder, mental health conditions or autism.
Children with learning difficulties experience difficulties with learning in one or more areas of the curriculum. These difficulties may vary in cause, nature, intensity and duration.
If you have concerns about your child's development or progress at school, it is important to discuss your concerns with relevant professionals such as, in the first instance, the school principal, teacher or school counsellor. Your family doctor or your child's paediatrician may also be of assistance in this process. Interpreter services and Aboriginal education assistants are available to assist parents or caregivers to obtain relevant information and support where required.
For information on how parents and carers can get support for their child, visit the 'Getting Help' section on our website.
© State of New South Wales through the NSW Department of Education and Communities
