learning difficulties

British  

plural noun

1. difficulty experienced in reaching the average standard of people of the same age group as regards intellectual and cognitive skills and performance

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Usage

This is now the standard umbrella term to cover both difficulties created by specific conditions, such as dyslexia, and by less than average intellectual skills

Example Sentences

DfE data also suggests that more than 10% of young people who are Neet have learning difficulties.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

Rev Cheshire has to attend frequent medical appointments with Adam, who is autistic, including for his profound learning difficulties, as well as hearing and sight impairments.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

DfE data also suggests that over 10% of young people who are Neet also have learning difficulties.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

Sir Ed, 59, and his wife Emily have a 17-year-old son called John, who has a neurological condition and learning difficulties, and a daughter, Ellie.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2025

I’m meant to say that they have learning difficulties or that they have special needs.

From "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon