‘Learning disability’ is an umbrella term covering many different intellectual disabilities. It means that a person’s capacity to learn is affected and that they may not learn things as quickly as other people. Sometimes a learning disability is called a learning difficulty, intellectual impairment or intellectual disability.
A learning disability is not an illness. Some people with a learning disability also experience mental health problems such as depression, but they are not the same thing.
People usually have a learning disability from birth or sometimes from early childhood. Although it is a permanent condition, people with a learning disability can and do learn and develop with the right sorts of support from other people.
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Learning disabilities are often categorised as mild, moderate or severe. People with a learning disability vary a great deal in the help they may need in meeting their basic needs. Some people may require help with washing and dressing for example, while many others will live quite independently with much less support.
Some people are described as having high individual support needs. They may have a profound learning disability, behaviour that is sometimes challenging, additional sight or hearing difficulties, autism, mental illness or many additional health problems.
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Categorising people with learning disabilities by measuring their IQ alone does not take into account how well they cope day to day or acknowledge their potential. People with learning disabilities often find it difficult to function independently in society and to communicate with other people. It is important to see someone with a learning disability as part of society and to consider what she or he needs from society so they are included. This may be particular kinds of support or positive social attitudes which enable them to reach their potential.
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Written in 2007
Please note that the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities does not work with people who only have difficulty learning certain skills, such as people with dyslexia who only have difficulty with reading and writing.
Find out more about the issues facing people with learning disabilities in Publications
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