Learning disability and other conditions

Some people with a learning disability also have other physical and emotional conditions, and may receive more than one diagnosis. This could have an impact on the kind of support they and their families need in their day-to-day life. You can find out more about some of the conditions associated with learning disability below.

Autism and Asperger syndrome

We hear from many parents who think their child may have autism, or who have just received a diagnosis and are looking for help and support.

Challenging behaviour

Some people with a learning disability may demonstrate extreme behaviour, which is often referred to as challenging behaviour.

Cerebral palsy

Someone with cerebral palsy may also have a learning disability. Find out more about the condition here.

Down's syndrome

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition. It is often diagnosed shortly after birth due to the physical characteristics associated with it.

Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X is a genetic condition that affects both boys and girls, although boys are often more severely affected.

Global development delay

The term 'developmental delay' or 'global development delay' is used when a child takes longer to reach certain developmental milestones than other children their age.

A parent's story: global development delay

During pregnancy my wife received all the normal antenatal check ups. We weren't really given any information, except for a mis-diagnosis that scared the hell out of us.