Condition : Learning disabilities

‘Learning disability’ is a broad term that describes a condition that affects a person’s ability to learn new things (intelligence) and cope independently (social functioning). 

A person with a learning disability might need support throughout their life, but many can work, have relationships, live alone, and get qualifications. 

Learning disabilities start after early childhood and have a lasting effect on development. Some people may be diagnosed before they’re even born, while others might not be diagnosed until adulthood, although they will have had difficulties their whole life. 

A learning disability is different for everyone. 

A profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD) is when a person has a severe learning disability and other disabilities (such as sight, hearing, or movement problems) that significantly affect their ability to communicate and be independent. 

What is not a learning disability? 

• Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and developmental coordination disorder, are often mistakenly referred to as learning disabilities because in other English-speaking countries ‘intellectual disability’ is used for the UK definition of a ‘learning disability’, and ‘learning disability’ is used to describe SpLDs. 
• Cognitive problems (difficulties with learning, thinking, or memory) that start during adulthood due to illness, injury, or ageing are not learning disabilities. 
• Developmental delay does not always mean a child has a learning disability, as many are able to catch up with their peers. 

A learning disability is usually caused by something that affects brain development before birth, during birth, or in early childhood. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown, but common factors can include: 

• genetic conditions, such as Down’s syndrome or Fragile X syndrome 
• illness or infections during pregnancy 
• exposure to harmful substances, like alcohol, during pregnancy 
• complications during birth that reduce oxygen to the baby’s brain 
• being born very early (premature birth) 
• serious illnesses, such as meningitis or measles, in early childhood 
• head injuries in early childhood 

Conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism are more common in people with a learning disability. 

‘Bad parenting’ is not a cause of a learning disability, and it is also not about effort. 

Mencap

Advice and information about learning disabilities

• Visit Mencap

Scope UK

Advice and support for people living with, or parents of children who have, a disability 

• Visit Scope UK