Topics · Nicosia
Learning difficulties
When a child tries hard but reading, writing or maths stay difficult, they often start to feel they are just not good enough. That is not true. Learning difficulties have nothing to do with how clever a child is or how hard they try. With the right support, children can find their own way of learning.
What learning difficulties are
They are difficulties in specific areas of learning, while in other areas a child may do very well. The best known are dyslexia (reading and spelling), dysgraphia (writing) and dyscalculia (numbers and maths). The NHS describes dyslexia as a common, lifelong difficulty that is not linked to intelligence.
Sometimes learning difficulties come together with other difficulties, for example with attention or coordination. That is why a careful assessment helps to show the whole picture.
Signs you may notice
Signs change with age. It is worth talking it through if, over a period of time, your child:
- Reads very slowly or mixes up letters and sounds
- Makes a lot of spelling mistakes, even with words they know
- Finds it hard to write neatly or put their thoughts on paper
- Struggles with numbers, sums or telling the time
- Needs much longer than classmates to finish work
- Avoids reading, calls themselves stupid, or gets headaches and tummy aches before school
The feelings behind the marks
Children with learning difficulties often hear that they are not trying hard enough. Over time they may lose confidence, worry about school or react with anger. So support is about feelings as well as schoolwork. A child who understands why something is hard for them often feels a great sense of relief.
How we can help
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia we offer assessments and diagnostic sessions for children, teenagers and adults. An assessment helps us see where your child is struggling and also where their strengths lie.
Where needed, we work in multidisciplinary sessions with external associates in Special Education, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychiatry. Afterwards we talk with the parents about next steps and how to work with the school. Sessions are available privately or through GeSY where it applies.
For parents
Your attitude makes a big difference. Praise effort, not only results. Find activities together where your child feels capable. Break homework into small chunks with breaks. And talk to the teachers, so that home and school are pulling in the same direction.
At the first appointment we usually talk with you first. If you have exercise books, test papers or comments from teachers, please bring them along. They help us understand how your child works in class.
Adults too
Many adults were never assessed as children and spent years believing it was their own fault. If reading, writing or numbers are a struggle at work or in your studies, an assessment can help you understand yourself and find ways of working that suit you.
Frequently asked questions
When is a good time for an assessment?
When difficulties carry on for a while despite support at home and at school. You can call us to talk it over before you decide.
Will my child grow out of it?
Learning difficulties usually do not go away, but with the right support children learn ways to manage them and move forward.
Do I need a referral?
Not for private sessions. Through GeSY, where it applies, you need a referral from your personal doctor or paediatrician.
Should I tell the school?
That is your choice. Working with the school usually helps the child, though, and we can help you prepare for that conversation.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Dyslexia
- NHS: Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children
- WHO Europe: One in 7 children and adolescents in the WHO European Region lives with a mental health condition (13/11/2025)
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.