Learning difficulties/deficits
Learning difficulties or deficits prevent or hinder certain young people from memorising or retaining theoretical knowledge or practical movements. In most cases, these difficulties become apparent at primary and lower-secondary school but sometimes they appear during apprenticeship training. Learning difficulties can have various causes such as insufficient cognitive skills, a lack of prior education, inadequate learning strategies, stressful social circumstances or health impairments.
Depending on the cause and severity, learning difficulties are ascribed to a disability. In these cases, there may be an entitlement to special education measures and special arrangements to level out disadvantages. Disabilities may include:
- visual and hearing impairment
- Paraplegia
- Dyslexia (dyslexia) and dyscalculia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Cantonal VET offices or VET schools are the first point of contact for initial information on learning difficulties. They can also provide advice and contact details of other specialised offices. For complex cases, for example, special needs teachers or learning psychologists can be consulted.
