Cognition & Learning SEND
What are cognition and learning needs?
Cognition and learning needs are one of the four broad areas of need that can affect learners with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Learners in this category may find it harder to process, remember, or understand information compared to their peers.
These challenges can affect reading, writing, maths, problem-solving, and organisational skills. But with the right support, learners can succeed academically and gain confidence in their abilities.
What are the signs a learner has cognition and learning challenges?
Some learners may show one or more of these signs:
Struggling to understand new concepts quickly
Finding it hard to remember instructions or information
Difficulty with reading, spelling, or maths
Challenges with planning, organising, or completing tasks
Avoiding tasks that feel too complex or frustrating
Recognising these signs early allows tutors and teachers to adapt learning approaches and prevent frustration.
What conditions are commonly associated with cognition and learning needs?
This area includes a range of learning difficulties, such as:
Dyslexia: challenges with reading, spelling, and written expression
Dyscalculia: difficulty understanding numbers or maths concepts
Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD): slower pace of learning across subjects
Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD): significant and complex learning challenges requiring high levels of support
Some learners may have a mix of conditions or needs overlapping with other SEND areas.
How can you support learners with cognition and learning needs?
Break learning into small steps – help students tackle one concept at a time
Use structured teaching methods – visual aids, repetition, and clear instructions work well
Provide multi-sensory learning opportunities – combine visual, auditory, and hands-on approaches
Offer extra processing or practice time – let students consolidate knowledge before moving on
Use technology – text-to-speech, speech-to-text, or maths apps can help students access learning
In the classroom, there are a range of strategies you can use. Try to encourage notetaking with visual prompts or templates, scaffold written tasks by giving outlines or sentence starters, and teach organisation skills explicitly, like using planners or checklists.
Peerscroller resources for cognition and learning needs
Peerscroller videos give learners insight into learning differences and cognitive challenges, helping peers understand classmates’ experiences and learners explore their own. Some related videos explore:
Dyslexia – why some learners use coloured screens, and how dyslexia can cause frustration
ADHD and focus – how ADHD can affect organisation, eating habits and object permanence
Exam and access arrangements – explains what accommodations are and how they help learners participate.
You can explore some of this content in our Autism Awareness Week and Neurodiversity resource packs, but if you’d like to learn more about our content featured exclusively on the Peerscroller platform, you can make an enquiry about accessing Peerscroller here.