What causes general learning disability?

In many children with general learning disability the cause of the disability remains unknown. In some there may be genetic factors, infection, brain injury or damage before birth, at birth or after. Examples include Down syndrome, fragile-X syndrome and cerebral palsy.

The effects of learning disability

Children or young people who have a general learning disability are aware of what goes on around them. However, their ability to understand and communicate may be limited, and they can find it hard to express themselves. Speech problems can make it even harder to make other people understand their feelings and needs.

They can become frustrated and upset by their own limitations. When they compare themselves with other children, they can feel sad or angry and think badly of themselves.

For a parent, it can be distressing to find out that their child has a general learning disability. It may be hard for them and other members of the family to understand why the child is like this. It can also be hard to communicate with the child, difficult to manage their behaviour and hard for other people to understand.

Brothers and sisters may be affected in a number of ways. They may feel jealous of the attention given to their brother or sister who has a disability, or they may be embarrassed by their behaviour. They may even be teased at school. Quite often, they can feel personally responsible for their disabled sibling or their distressed parent.

Learning disability and mental health

A general learning disability is not a mental illness. However, children with learning disability are more likely than other children to develop mental health problems, for example anxiety, or have additional developmental disorders, such as an autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What can be done to help?

Recognising difficulties in learning and development

It is important to recognise as soon as possible that a child is learning and developing slowly. It is only when the problem is recognised that the child and their family can be offered the help and support they need. The health visitor plays an important role in identifying slow development in the years before school.