This paper summarizes a 1990 Scottish study exploring the views of parents, professionals, and voluntary organizations concerning services for children with specific learning difficulties (SLD). It specifically addressed the questions of: (1) to what degree pupils with SLD are a group with distinctive difficulties and needs; (2) how learning difficulties can be identified; and (3) how the difficulties can be remedied. Questionnaires, interviews, and literature analyses were used. Findings of the study are discussed concerning the following: three views on SLD, assessment and services for SLD, concerns of parents, concerns of learning support teachers, concerns of student teachers, and implications of the findings for different groups. Findings provided evidence of tension among the different groups involved due to uncertainty about causes and incidence, debates about effective assessment and services, and competition for scarce resources. Also noted are tensions between certain national policies. Provision of a full spectrum of services is recommended. (DB)