specific difficulty

[spɪˈsɪfɪk ˈdɪfɪkəlti]
noun phrasepl: specific difficulties
dificuldade específica
1. A particular problem or challenge that is clearly defined and limited in scope, as opposed to a general or vague difficulty
The student's specific difficulty with fractions required targeted intervention.
A dificuldade específica do aluno com frações exigiu intervenção direcionada.
2. In education and psychology, a learning disability or challenge that affects a particular skill or subject area while other abilities remain intact
His specific difficulty in reading comprehension did not affect his mathematical abilities.
Sua dificuldade específica na compreensão de leitura não afetou suas habilidades matemáticas.
3. A concrete obstacle that can be identified, measured, and addressed through targeted strategies
We identified the specific difficulty and developed a plan to overcome it.
Identificamos a dificuldade específica e desenvolvemos um plano para superá-la.
The term 'specific difficulty' is widely used in Brazilian educational psychology and special education contexts. It reflects a clinical, diagnostic approach to learning challenges, particularly following international frameworks like the DSM-5. In Brazil, this terminology is common in school evaluations, educational psychologist reports, and discussions about inclusive education. The emphasis on identifying 'specific' rather than general difficulties aligns with modern educational practices that advocate for targeted, personalized interventions rather than blanket categorizations of students.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
particular problemspecific challengetargeted difficultydefined obstaclespecific impairment
Antonyms / Antônimos
general abilityoverall competenceuniversal strength

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dificuldade específica
Standard term used in educational and psychological contexts
São Paulo
dificuldade específica / transtorno específico de aprendizagem
More technical/clinical terminology often used in urban education systems
Rio de Janeiro
dificuldade específica
Commonly used in school settings and clinical evaluations
Portugal
dificuldade específica / dificuldade de aprendizagem específica
Portuguese term is similar but may emphasize 'specific learning difficulty' more formally

Related Words

learning disabilitydyslexiadyscalculiaobstaclechallengeimpedimentbarrierconstraint

Related Idioms & Phrases

to pinpoint a specific difficulty
to address a specific difficulty
to overcome a specific difficulty
a specific difficulty with something
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