Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

Lower intellectual ability (usually defined as an IQ of less than 70) that leads to problems in learning, developing new skills, communication and carrying out daily activities. Learning disability severities are defined by the following IQ scores: mild=50-69, moderate=35-49 and severe=20-34. A person with a mild to moderate learning disability may only need support in certain areas. However, a person with a moderate to severe learning disability may have no speech or limited communication, a significantly reduced ability to learn new skills and require support with daily activities such as dressing and eating. Learning disabilities are different from 'learning difficulties', like dyslexia, which do not affect intellect. Learning disability is sometimes also called 'intellectual disability'. (CG142) In line with NICE's guideline on challenging behaviour and learning disabilities, a learning disability is defined as meeting 3 core criteria: - lower intellectual ability (usually an IQ of less than 70) - significant impairment of social or adaptive functioning - onset in childhood. A person's learning disability may be described as mild, moderate, severe or profound. Learning disabilities are different from specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, which do not affect intellectual ability. (NG93)