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

---

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

Sullivan said 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 • Mar. 27, 2026

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

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

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

She became a music teacher at Wansbeck Primary School in Kingston upon Hull, which has a progressive programme for the inclusion of children with learning difficulties.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 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