There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK

Read the latest research and statistics on a range of issues affecting people with a learning disability, from health and social care to finding work and friendships. 

Children - research and statistics

There are approximately 351,000 children aged 0-17 with a learning disability in the UK.

Friendships - research and statistics

Friendships and socialising are important to people with a learning disability.

Employment - research and statistics

How many adults with a learning disability have a paid job?

Sexuality - research and statistics

Relationships are very important to people with a learning disability.

Health - research and statistics

Read the latest research and statistics about health for people with a learning disability

Social care - research and statistics

Research and statistics on social care and how it can be crucial in helping people with a learning disability to live their life.

Stigma and discrimination - research and statistics

Stigma and discrimination may have a significant negative impact on the lives of people with a learning disability.

How common is learning disability?

This page has information about the number of people with a learning disability in the UK.

Mother and father sat in room with their young daughter who is on her father's knee and is looking up at them both, smiling

About the research and statistics

Our research and statistics are drawn from a range of databases, government reports, websites of voluntary organisations and academic publications. We periodically update these pages as new research and data becomes available. Each topic page is fully referenced, and links are provided where possible.

If you have any questions about our research and statistics, please contact the Research Team by emailing research@mencap.org.uk.

Research and statistics blogs

Catch up with the latest news and blogs from the research and statistics team.

Let's talk about sex

Sexuality is a human right. Yet, all too often, the sexual needs of people with a learning disability are not acknowledged.
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Researching accessible transport for people with a learning disability

We wanted to find out more about accessible transport in London through the Barclays Hackathon research event
Read more

Becoming a Research Champion

I recently joined the ‘Research Champions’ group at Mencap. This is a new monthly group for colleagues with a learning disability.
Read more

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Children - research and statistics

There are approximately 351,000 children aged 0-17 with a learning disability in the UK.
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Learning disability and conditions

There are some conditions that mean you are likely to have a learning disability, but will also have other physical or emotional effects.
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What we think

Mencap's position on some of the big issues in life
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