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Learning difficulties

Learning disability is often confused with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD or Dyspraxia.

Learning disability or learning difficulty?

A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty as a learning difficulty does not affect general intellect.

It is possible for a person to have both a learning disability and a learning difficulty.

Learning disabilities and learning difficulties explained

In this video, our Campaigns Officer, Vijay, shares what a learning disability is vs what a learning difficulty is. ⁣

Learning disability

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

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Types of learning difficulty

There are many different types of learning difficulty, some of the more well known are dyslexia , attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and dyscalculia. A person can have one, or a combination.

As with learning disability, learning difficulties can also exist on a scale. A person might have a mild learning difficulty or a severe learning difficulty. The same is true of learning disabilities.

Three young man together in front of brick wall

Learning difficulties in children

A learning difficulty usually presents in childhood and can cause a person to experience problems in a traditional classroom setting.

We have produced a range of free resources to help you find out more about the Government 's changes to how children are supported within the Special Educational Needs system.

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