What is a Learning Disability?  

A learning disability is a permanent condition caused by differences in how the brain processes information. 

Learning disabilities can range from mild to severe. People with learning disabilities may find daily activities challenging such as socialising or managing money.  

Because every individual is unique, the impact on daily life varies, therefore some people may require support in some or all areas of their daily life. 

In England, it is estimated that approximately 1.3 million people have a learning disability, including over 950,000 adults. 

Types of Learning Disabilities:  

Learning disabilities range from mild to moderate to severe. A person may have one or more disabilities, and the level of support they need is always assessed on an individual basis. 

Some examples of conditions that can result in a learning disability include: 

• Down Syndrome  

• Williams Syndrome  

• Cerebral Palsy  

• Autism 

Though learning disabilities can prove to be challenging it has no correlation to a person’s intelligence or ability to be successful. With the proper support and right community, many people can go onto develop new skills and find success in an array of different ways.  

Learning Disability vs. Learning Difficulty 

Although it is common to confuse these two terms, it is important to distinguish the two.  

Learning Disability: Affects cognitive processing across some or all areas of life. 

Learning Difficulty: Affects specific ways of learning or processing information (like reading or focus). These often do not require as much additional support. 

Common difficulties include: 

• ADHD  

• Dyslexia  

• Dyspraxia  

It is possible for a person to have both a learning disability and one or more learning difficulties. 

Causes 

We do not always know why a person has a learning disability. Sometimes a learning disability can occur due to an individual’s brain’s development being affected, before birth, during their birth or in early childhood.  

Some causes include:  

• Mother being or ill or getting ill during pregnancy  

• Very premature birth 

• Certain genetics passed down from parents could increase likelihood  

• Conditions caused by chromosome differences, such as Down’s syndrome 

• Injury or Illness, such as meningitis, during childhood 

• Trauma to the brain in early childhood or lack of oxygen to the brain during childbirth  

Signs of a Learning Disability  

Because no two people are the same, signs can vary significantly from person to person. 

However, there are some common indicators: 

• Difficulty understanding complex information or instructions. 

• Slower language development, with difficulty learning or pronouncing new words.  

• Persistent problems with reading, writing and maths.  

• Poor memory and concentration. 

Diagnosis and Identification 

While many learning disabilities are spotted shortly after birth or during early school years, some people are not diagnosed until they are adults. Identifying these challenges early is key to ensuring the right level of support is given.  

If you think you or your child might have signs of a learning disability, please speak to your GP.    

Resources  

NHS: Learning disabilities - NHS 

Mencap: Learning Disability Helpline | Mencap 

Disability Matters Training Resource : Disability Matters 

Need more help? Contact the us at Referrals@halowproject.org.uk 

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