What is a learning disability?
Learning disability is a general term that relates to a diverse group of people with diverse needs.
Learning disabilities affect a staggering 1.5 million people in the UK, but how many of us really understand what a learning disability is?
Part of the problem with understanding learning disabilities is that they affect people in many different ways; every individual is unique and at Craegmoor we aim to not only appreciate but celebrate these differences.
So what is a learning disability?
People with learning disabilities can have difficulty:
- Understanding new or complex information
- Learning new skills
- With some or all aspects of daily life
However, learning disabilities can range from a mild disability, where a person may live completely independently but find learning new skills more of a challenge than others, to severe, profound or multiple disabilities requiring long term support.
People with learning disabilities may need support with:
- Personal care – getting washed and dressed
- Eating and drinking
- Communication and social interaction
- Building relationships
- Staying safe
- Keeping healthy
- Engaging in activities and undertaking tasks
- Accessing community, social and leisure services
- Decisions and making choices
At Craegmoor our wide range of services allows us to tailor our support to perfectly match an individual’s needs. All our services promote life skills, enabling people to live more independently and fulfil their goals and ambitions.
Is there a difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty?
Often these two terms are used interchangeably. Some people prefer to say they have learning difficulties rather than disabilities. In education settings, the term learning difficulties is often used to refer to people with conditions such as Dyslexia which is not generally considered to be a learning disability.
Learning disability is lifelong and is likely to have a significant impact on the person’s life.
What causes learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities occur when the brain is still developing - before, during or shortly after birth.
Learning disabilities are linked to:
- Infections, accidents or traumas before birth
- Genetic factors
- Complications during birth where the baby does not get enough oxygen, or if the child is born prematurely
- Early childhood illnesses such as meningitis
Support for people with learning disabilities
Receiving a diagnosis is just the beginning of what can be a daunting journey for individuals and their families. Although there are no standard solutions, it is important to remember that support is available. Our articles: ‘Living with learning disabilities’ and ‘Learning disability care and support options’ offer practical advice on how to find the correct support for you.
There are a number of national and local organisations that provide advice and support for people with learning disabilities and their families. For more information visit our Advice section or speak to your GP who will be able to recommend organisations in your area.
To find out more about the support Craegmoor can offer visit our learning disabilities section or use our online enquiry form to contact us.
Learning disabilities and mental health
Learning disability is not a mental illness. However, people with learning disabilities may experience mental health problems. It is thought that there is a higher incidence of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety for people with learning disabilities than the general population. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘dual diagnosis’ where a person has a learning disability and additional mental health needs.
At Craegmoor we use person centred planning to help us understand the people we support and their wishes, with some fantastic results. For example, when Leeanne moved to a Craegmoor service, she was beginning to experience some mental health problems, but staff at our Cherrywood service supported and encouraged her to learn new skills and now she is living in her own flat.
The varying nature of learning disabilities can make it a complex subject to understand, but there is a lot of help and support out there our Advice page can give you some starting points to contact. For information on Government policy regarding learning disabilities visit the Valuing People Now website.