Learning disability

Learning disability (LD) is a descriptive diagnosis or concept, not a disease or illness. It does not infer a particular aetiology. Social functioning is an integral part of the diagnosis. It is important to understand that it is different from mental illness – a person with a learning disability can also develop mental illness. Learning disability as a concept is also different from ‘learning difficulties’, which generally refers to specific learning problems (e.g. dyslexia), rather than a global impairment of intellect and function. It is also important to realise that issues associated with LD are not specific to psychiatry.

Resources

Handout
Learning disability handout

Blog
Link to blog posts featuring learning disability

Internal video resources
No videos available at the moment

External links
— Wikipedia article on learning disability
— Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet on learning disabilities

A short information film by NHS Westminster talking about the services they provide for people with learning disabilities, in particular around physical and sexual health.

InControl, a national organisation, have produced a video on how people with learning disabilities can take control of their lives.