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

He was not provided with an appropriate adult to help him understand the interrogation, despite police custody records noting he had learning difficulties.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

The inquest heard Ms Smith was diagnosed as being autistic and having learning difficulties at a young age.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 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

The 37-year-old said her daughter was diagnosed earlier this year after suffering from developmental delays and learning difficulties, not long after Ms Davies was told she had thyroid cancer.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 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