What is a Learning Disability?

Generic Definition – a learning disability is a significant, lifelong condition that starts before adulthood, which affects a person’s development and which means that they may need help to understand information, learn skills and live independently.

Mencap definition – “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”.

• It is also a person when they have a reduced intellectual ability (IQ of 70 or below) and difficulty with everyday activities such as household tasks, managing money, socialising or emotions.
• Children with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complex information and interact with other people.

A child or young person will present differently and will have their own strengths and difficulties that present to them.