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
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
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.
Types of learning difficulty
There are many different types of learning difficulty, some of the more well known are
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
, 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.
Learning difficulties in children
A learning difficulty usually presents in childhood and can cause a person to
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
problems in a traditional classroom setting.
We have produced a range of free resources to help you find out more about
the Government
The Government are the people who run the country. The Government decide how much tax people should pay and how things like the National Health Service (NHS) should work.
's changes to how children are supported within the Special Educational Needs system.
More conditions linked with Learning Disability
Get help and advice online with Mencap
Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or someone with a learning disability, we've created a tool that offers clear explanations, helpful resources, and
easy read
Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing.
resources to guide you towards the information you need.