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

But she still has them, as well as autism and learning difficulties.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

The 37-year-old said her daughter was diagnosed earlier this year after suffering from developmental delays and learning difficulties, not long after Ms Davies was told she had thyroid cancer.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 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