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

The request was made during a three-hour call with an independent company which was reviewing the care of Timothy Jones, 31, who has severe learning difficulties.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 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

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