What Is A Learning Disability?

A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops.  There are many different types and most develop before a baby is born, during birth or because of a serious illness in early childhood.

A learning disability is lifelong and usually has a significant impact on a person’s life.  

Learning disability is not mental illness or dyslexia.  

People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) need full-time help with every aspect of their lives – including eating, drinking, washing, dressing and toileting.  

There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Like all of us, they are individuals who want different things in life and need different levels of support.

For more information: www.mencap.org.uk