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This Learning Disability Week, we’re celebrating the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability, raising awareness and helping to create a more inclusive world for everyone.
Learning Disability and Learning Difficulty – What is the Difference?
Learning Difficulties are often confused with a Learning Disability. Learning Difficulties affect specific areas of learning and thinking and does not affect a person’s general intellect or other areas of their ability.
Learning Disability
A Learning Disability (also called Intellectual Disability) is characterised by reduced general intelligence and difficulties with everyday activities. People with a Learning Disability may need extra support to help them understand information, learn new skills, or manage day to day tasks.
Everyone with a Learning Disability is different and their support needs can vary, but with the right support, many people with a Learning Disability can lead independent lives.
Learning Difficulty
A specific Learning Difficulty does not affect someone’s overall intellectual ability. Many people with a specific learning difficulty may have real strengths in other areas.
Examples of a Learning Difficulty are:
Dyslexia – Difficulty processing written or spoken words which can impact reading, writing and spelling.
Dyscalculia – Difficulty in working with and understanding numbers.
Dysgraphia – Difficulty processing written or spoken words which can impact reading, writing and spelling.