Earlier, this month RTE news2day looked at the difficulties some people face every day when it comes to learning. We spoke to people with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Asperger Syndrome and Down Syndrome.
The news report is here, dated 20th June, called 'Learning Difficulties'.
People with Dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell, despite having good abilities in other areas. It can also affect memory and how people make sense of information. On average, each classroom has three children with dyslexia.
Dyspraxia is a condition that affects body movements and co-ordination. It affects the way the brain makes sense of information and often leads to problems with language and memory. People who have Dyspraxia can also have Dyslexia, ADHD or Aspergers syndrome. On average each classroom might have two children with dyspraxia.
Aspergers Syndrome, like Autism, means people can find it hard to chat and relate to others. People with Aspergers often like routines and may develop a great interest in a particular hobby. About 16,000 people have Aspergers syndrome in Ireland.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition - something you are born with - caused by an extra chromosome in your body. People with Down syndrome may be smaller than average and have a distinctive look. They are also more likely to have heart conditions or problems with hearing and sight. About 5,000 people in Ireland have Down syndrome.
Click on each title above to see our reports.
For more information you can contact:
Dyslexia Association of Ireland - www.dyslexia.ie
Dyspraxia Association of Ireland - www.dyspraxiaireland.com
Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland - www.aspireireland.ie
Irish Society for Autism - www.autism.ie or
Irish Autism Action - www.autismireland.ie
Down Syndrome Ireland - www.downsyndrome.ie
