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

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

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

She had balanced her studies alongside helping to care for her brother, who has learning difficulties, and working part-time - and today received two A*s and a B.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 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