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Learning Disability

Background

Learning Disability: Intellectual Disability

Learning disability (formerly known as mental handicap) and referred to increasingly as intellectual disability covers a wide range of intellectual impairments.

Mild learning disability (roughly equivalent to an IQ of fifty to seventy) is analogous to the educational term 'moderate learning difficulties'. It is usually caused by a combination of restricted learning and social opportunities plus a high rate of low-average intellectual ability and learning disability in close relatives. Moderate-to-profound learning disability (roughly equivalent to an IQ below fifty) is analogous to the educational term 'severe learning difficulties'. It usually has a specific biological cause. However, there are exceptions either way.

What are the symptoms? View What are the symptoms?

Medical text written May 2001 by Professor J Turk. Last updated November 2005 by Professor J Turk, Professor of Developmental Psychiatry and Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Department of Clinical Developmental Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.

 

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