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

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

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

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