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

Smith, a guide dog trainer was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease, in 2019 and was medically retired from her job working with children with learning difficulties.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

But she still has them, as well as autism and learning difficulties.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

"They essentially now have learning difficulties," says Harbinder, who gave up her job as managing director of an international consultancy to care for her children.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

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

From BBC • Oct. 25, 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