Introduction
Learning disabilities (LD) are defined by three core criteria:
- Lower intellectual ability (usually an IQ of less than 70)
- Significant impairment of social or adaptive functioning
- Onset in childhood
Examples of LD include Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy. Living with a LD can significantly impact an individual’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Individuals with LD typically require some form of long-term support in one or more aspects of their life. They represent one of the most vulnerable groups in society and are typically subject to many health inequalities, social exclusion and stigmatisation.
It is important to highlight that LD are often confused with learning difficulties. Learning difficulties, instead, refer to specific challenges that affect a person’s ability to learn in a particular area such as dyslexia (reading) or dyspraxia (physical co-ordination). A key distinction is that people with learning difficulties are generally able to function well in other areas of life and live independently. Confusingly, a person with a learning disability can also have one or more learning difficulties.