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

"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

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

Mr Sullivan, who has learning difficulties, had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal in May after new DNA tests were carried out.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

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

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