What is the difference between learning difficulties and learning disabilities?
Confusion about the difference between learning difficulties and learning disabilities is not uncommon. The key to understanding the difference between the two terms is to understand the conditions that they relate to, and the symptoms which the individual experiences.
A learning disability limits an individual’s intellectual ability across all aspects of their daily life and can mean that they need support to develop life skills and social skills, as well as understand complex information.
By comparison, a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, relates to a difficulty in acquiring specific skills or knowledge, such as reading, writing, spelling or working with numbers. It is not indicative of the individual’s overall level of intellect but reflects a particular area that they struggle with.
Support for people with a learning disability and additional diagnosis
Somerset Care’s specialist learning disability care team are experts in providing support for individuals who live with a secondary condition in addition to their diagnosed learning disability.Find out more about the Realise team, and the individuals they support.
