Learning Disability

This page provides information for parents of children with learning disabilities and outlines how the Cheyne Child development service will support them.

Learning disability

Every child is unique and develops at their own pace, with most developing in a broadly predictable way. Some children may be slower to reach developmental milestones. If a child is delayed across all areas of development, this may be described as global developmental delay or global developmental impairment.

Over time, some children may show some catch-up, but for many children, although they will continue to make developmental progress, the gap between them and other children of the same age can widen.

By the age of 5, a global developmental impairment is more likely to be described as a long-term learning disability or intellectual disability (these terms are sometimes used interchangeably). Your child may need additional support in school, including SEN support and/or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is also known as an intellectual disability. It involves reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities, which significantly affects someone’s life long term. People with a learning disability may take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand more complex information and interact with other people.

As your child grows, they may also have difficulty with everyday activities such as household tasks and managing money. Learning disability can vary in severity and may be described as mild, moderate, severe or profound.

The term learning difficulties can mean different things to different people. Sometimes it is used to describe why a child may be struggling even if there is not a formal diagnosis. It can refer to a specific learning difficulty (for example, difficulties mainly affecting reading or maths). It can also be used to refer to a learning disability.

Children with learning disabilities may find it harder to manage emotions and behaviour compared to other children. Their behaviour often reflects their developmental level, with attention or social skills more similar to a much younger child. Although some behaviours may look similar to ADHD or autism, they may be better explained by more general learning difficulties and can be supported with appropriate strategies.

It is important to remember that with the right support, many people with a learning disability in the UK can lead independent lives.

Learning disability is one of a wider range of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, epilepsy, dyspraxia, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome and Down syndrome, which can affect how people think and interact with the world around them. Many people have more than one neurodevelopmental condition. For example, around 3 in 10 people with a learning disability also have an autism diagnosis.

What you can do to help

Your child is still the unique person they have always been. Now that you understand your child’s needs, you can access support and services that can help them reach their potential.

Every child is different, and you will best help your child by focusing on what they need at each stage and taking it one step at a time. They may take longer to reach the next developmental milestone, so give plenty of opportunities to practise skills. Try to make sure that fun and connection are part of everyday life with your child.

When children are very young, health and education professionals may offer advice on how to support your child. As children get older, support is usually provided through their school. There are no medical treatments that can make a child develop faster.

Education

If there are concerns about your child’s learning in school, speak to your child’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), who can advise and link with other services if needed.

All schools have a responsibility to support children, whatever their additional needs. Some children may need more support, which can be provided through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). A small number of children with EHCPs attend specialist education provision (special school). Speak to your child’s early years provider or school about the process.

Health services

A community paediatrician considers reasons why your child may have their difficulties. They will examine your child, check whether there may be a physical explanation and may request medical tests.

There are various reasons why a child might have a learning disability, such as a genetic syndrome. For many children, we will not be able to identify a specific cause. In these cases, a learning disability may be the diagnosis without an additional medical diagnosis. The medical team would not usually plan to review your child regularly, but they will remain a point of contact if there are additional medical needs.

Some children with a learning disability do have additional medical needs and may be known to hospital services. Your child’s community paediatrician may link with these services if needed.

Children may also be known to other NHS services depending on their needs, such as Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. A clinical psychologist may be able to advise about emotional or behavioural concerns. If emotional or behavioural difficulties persist, the child or young person may be referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

Joining the learning disability register

If you or your child has a learning disability or intellectual disability, you can join the learning disability register at your GP surgery. This helps healthcare professionals make reasonable adjustments to the care they provide, including:

how they communicate about appointments
how they share test results
where you wait for appointments
where you are seen by a doctor or nurse

From the age of 14, people with a learning disability are entitled to an annual health check with their GP. During a health check, a GP or nurse carries out a physical assessment, asks lifestyle questions, reviews medication and provides health advice.

A health passport can support children and adults who may need hospital treatment. It is designed to help communicate their needs to doctors, nurses and other professionals.

View an example health passport (PDF)

Useful resources

Cerebra—Cerebra offers parent telephone support and parent sleep workshops.
Contact—Contact provides advice and information for families raising a child with additional needs. They run a free helpline and offer a Listening Ear support service.
Challenging Behaviour Foundation—The Challenging Behaviour Foundation provides information and support to families and professionals to help people with severe learning disabilities live the lives they want.

Learning Disability