Learning disability
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A formal definition of ’learning disabilities’ or ’intellectual disabilities’ includes the presence of:
’A significant intellectual impairment and deficits in social functioning or adaptive behaviour (basic everyday skills) which are present from childhood.’
Source: Learning Disabilities The Fundamental Facts, E.Emerson et al., 2001, the Mental Health Foundation.
This definition does not include adults with head injuries, dementia or who have a temporary intellectual impairment due to mental illness (though, of course it is recognised that people with learning disabilities may experience mental illness).
People with learning disabilities are living longer due to better health and social care. Unfortunately there are very few services for older people with learning disabilities and you may have to leave a service you have been using for many years when you reach 65.