Overview
This lecture explains what a learning disability is, its causes, different types, and how it is different from learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
What is a Learning Disability?
- A learning disability affects the way someone's brain works.
- It makes it harder for a person to learn, understand, or do daily activities like making friends or managing money.
- People with a learning disability may take longer to learn and often need support for skills, communication, and understanding information.
- With appropriate support, many people with a learning disability can lead independent lives.
Examples and Related Conditions
- People with certain conditions, such as Down syndrome or autism, may have a learning disability.
- Down syndrome can make it hard to learn new things and may lead to additional health problems.
- Autism affects understanding and expressing thoughts and feelings; every autistic person is different.
Learning Disability vs. Learning Difficulty
- A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty like dyslexia.
- Dyslexia mainly affects reading, writing, and spelling but does not limit how much a person can learn or do.
- Mencap classifies dyslexia as a learning difficulty, not a learning disability.
Types and Levels of Learning Disability
- Learning disabilities are classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
- Mild means a little support required; moderate means more support; severe or profound means a lot of support is needed.
- Support needs depend on the person and can range from minimal help (like job support) to full-time care.
Causes and Diagnosis
- Learning disabilities can result from brain development issues before or soon after birth.
- Causes before birth include genetic factors or the mother's illness/accident during pregnancy.
- Lack of oxygen, head injuries, or premature birth may cause learning disabilities during birth.
- After birth, causes may include illness, accidents, or seizures.
- Diagnosis can occur at any age, sometimes taking years for confirmation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Learning disability — A condition affecting the brain, making learning and daily life tasks harder.
- Down syndrome — A genetic condition often linked to learning disabilities and health issues.
- Autism — A developmental condition affecting communication and understanding others.
- Learning difficulty — Challenges like dyslexia that affect specific skills but not overall ability to learn.
- Dyslexia — A learning difficulty causing problems with reading, writing, and spelling.
- Genes — Chemicals in the body that determine traits and can cause some disabilities.
- Diagnosed — Being told by a doctor you have a certain condition.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Visit the Mencap website for more details on learning disabilities and diagnosis.
- If you need help or advice, contact the Learning Disability Helpline.