No area of developmental neurology is more complex than the specific learning disorders (SLD): the terminology is a morass; the epidemiology, in consequence, is extremely difficult; diagnosis is a problem due to changing symptomatology with age (3-year-olds can't be dyslexic or can they?); the extent to which investigations are initiated is financially and biologically controversial; and management may range from pharmacotherapy to educational strategies through to alternative therapies. Because these children very clearly attract the attention of educationalists and health professionals, they often fall into a divide where neither professional is fully involved. Many clinicians report that they frequently see children in late childhood/early adolescence where the biological background to a SLD has not been identified, resulting in behaviour disturbances which may be criminal.