Learning disability and mental health are different things

Amy talks about why there can be confusion between learning disability and mental health, and the support Mencap offers.

Amy has shoulder length brown hair and glasses. She is smiling at the camera nd wearing a black t shirt and green scarf.

DDX3X syndrome

Scientists have estimated that DDX3X syndrome accounts for between 1 to 3% of learning disabilities in women and girls, but many people with the condition may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as having another condition.

Two people in wheelchairs and one person next to them standing in a field

Latest news and stories from Mencap

How the right support changes lives

Mencap provides supported living and personal support services for thousands of people with a learning disability across the UK. This video shows Robert's story and the importance of person led support.

Would you like to be a Mencap Trustee?

We are looking for a volunteer with a learning disability to join our Board of Trustees.

Applications are invited from Monday 27 April to 12pm Friday 29 May 2026.

People sitting at a meeting table

Free Planning for the Future webinars

Join one of our free webinars about the importance of setting up a Trust for a person with a learning disability. Legal professionals will talk about the different types of Trusts available and the steps you need to take to ensure the life you’ve built together lives on. 

Sophia and her two children
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Care. Community. Campaign

Support to live life to the full. 

This is learning disability.

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Walkers Starting their Easter challenge, wearing coats and jackets on a bright sunny day 
Fundraise for Mencap
Dan Scorer gets interviewed by ITV
Mencap media news

Donate to Mencap

£7

could answer a call from someone in crisis who reaches out to our Learning Disability Helpline for support.

£25

could help a trained caseworker stop a parent’s loved one from being wrongfully locked away in a mental health hospital.

£50

could help pay for urgent legal support for a family in desperate need of advice to prevent their loved one being admitted to an in-patient unit.

Need to talk to someone?

Our free helpline service offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.