Learning Difficulties and Learning Disabilities

The range of definitions for learning difficulties and learning disabilities used in legislation and by different agencies can result in confusion and frustration.

As a general rule, children’s services are more likely to use the term “learning difficulties” and may provide education and social care services to a broader range of children and young people up to the age of 18 or 19, and in some situations up to the age of 25.

Adult social care services are more likely to use the definition for “learning disability” and to have eligibility criteria based upon level of intellectual capacity. 

This can result in some young people with learning difficulties ceasing to be eligible for social care services in adulthood.  Additionally adult social care services will prioritise eligibility for their services based upon the guidance “Fair Access to Care Services” (Dept of Health, 2002)

 

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