Find information about where and how to get support for yourself, or someone else with a learning disability.
On this page:
A learning disability is a lifelong condition that affects the way you learn new things.
If you have a learning disability, you may find it more difficult to:
There are different causes of a learning disability. They usually happen when the brain is still developing. This could be before or during birth, or in early childhood.
It’s important that people with a learning disability get the right support. With support, most people with a learning disability in the UK can lead independent lives.
A learning disability is not a mental health problem. But people with learning disabilities may also experience mental health problems. There are lots of different reasons for this.
For example, you may:
These attitudes and experiences can affect your mental health.
Sometimes, people with a learning disability struggle to get a diagnosis for a mental health problem. This is because doctors may think your mental health symptoms are part of your learning disability.
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD) website offers practical support. For example, it offers an easy-read resource called Feeling down: looking after my mental health.
People often confuse learning disability with other conditions. Some examples include:
It is also possible to have a diagnosis of both ADHD and autism at the same time.
The Mencap website provides further information on conditions associated with learning disability.
booksbeyondwords.co.uk
Books Beyond Words is a charity providing books for people who don’t like written words, but read through pictures. They share simple messages through stories using coloured pictures. Topics include going to the doctor, bereavement, sexual abuse and depression. Some of the titles are available online.
020 7359 7443
elfrida.com
Offers services (mainly based in Islington) to help people with learning difficulties to manage as much of their lives as they want and feel able to. Services include advocacy, support for parents and employment support.
0808 800 0082 (helpline)
18001 0808 800 0084 (textphone)
equalityadvisoryservice.com
Advice on issues relating to equality and human rights, including guidance for disabled people.
020 7452 2110
livabilty.org.uk
Christian organisation providing care services for disabled people in England and Wales.
0808 808 1111 (Learning Disability Helpline)
mencap.org.uk
Information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Services include an online community.
0207 383 0700
respond.org.uk
Services for people with a learning disability, autism or both, who have experienced abuse or trauma.
01977 781800
reallifeoptions.org
Social support and care for people with a learning disability. Includes supported living and residential care.
0808 800 3333
scope.org.uk
Practical information and emotional support for disabled people.
learningdisabilities.org.uk
Promotes the rights of people with a learning disability, and their families. FPLD also offer an easy-read online resource to help people with a learning disability to take care of their mental health.
turning-point.co.uk
Health and social care services in England for people with a learning disability. Also supports people with mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse or unemployment.
unitedresponse.org.uk
Support in England and Wales for people with a learning disability, mental health needs and physical disabilities. Services include help with housing, supported living, education and employment.
anncrafttrust.org
Works with staff in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors to protect people with a learning disability who may be at risk from abuse.
arcuk.org.uk
Membership organisation supporting providers of services to people with a learning disability to promote real change.
bild.org.uk
Training services and publications to help organisations to champion rights for people with a learning disability, and to improve support for them.
0808 808 7777
029 2081 1370 (Carers Wales)
[email protected]
carersuk.org
Advice and support for anyone who provides care.
changepeople.co.uk
Helps organisations to support the rights of people with a learning disability. Its services include producing Easy Read resources and providing accessibility training.
estiacentre.org
A training, research and development resource for those who support adults with learning disabilities and additional mental health needs.
intellectualdisability.info
Information about intellectual disabilities for medical, nursing and other healthcare students and professionals.
judithtrust.org.uk
Grant-making organisation for projects that support people with a learning disability and mental health problems.
bristol.ac.uk/sps/research/centres/norahfryresearch
Researches issues affecting the lives of disabled children and adults with learning difficulties and their families.
peoplefirstltd.com
Campaigns for the rights of people with learning difficulties and supports self-advocacy groups.
This information was published in January 2021. We will revise it in 2024.
References and bibliography available on request.
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