We are proud to support our residents living with a learning disability, however very often people do not know what having a learning disability ‘actually’ means.
Our team is experienced in supporting those living with a learning disability and this is extremely important when providing the best loving, kind, and caring support possible.
Having a learning disability means that people find it harder to learn certain life skills. Whilst these challenges will vary from person to person, they may include aspects such as learning new things, managing money, personal care, communication, reading, or writing.
The various types of learning disability can differ quite dramatically. For example, a person who has a mild disability may be able to live independently with very little support, whereas a person with significant disabilities may need round the clock support and help with most aspects of their life.
National figures indicate that there are an estimated 1,043,449 people in England (2% of the total population) who have a learning disability and whilst there are a number of different types of learning disability, the most common are:
1. Dyslexia
2. ADHS (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
3. Dyscalculia
4. Dysgraphia
5. Processing Deficits
What Causes A Learning Disability?
A learning disability is caused when the development of a person’s brain is affected. This is before they are born, during birth or in early childhood and this can be caused by things such as:
The mother falling ill during pregnancy
Complications during birth that prevent the brain from getting sufficient oxygen
An unborn baby inheriting certain genes from its parents that make it more likely
An illness during childhood (such as meningitis)
There are also occasions when there is no known cause for a learning disability. Some conditions such as Down’s syndrome are associated with having a learning disability, whilst people with cerebral palsy, autism, and epilepsy may have a learning disability.
How Is A Learning Disability Diagnosed?
If there is a suspected learning disability, the individual will go through an assessment process with medical professionals to identify if there is a learning disability as well as the type.
The first port of call, however, is generally your GP who will be able to make the necessary referrals onto other services as is required.
Comments