We define a global learning disability according to internationally recognised criteria including those of the World Health Organisation (ICD-10) and American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV): people with global learning disabilities experience life-long impairments in both cognitive and adaptive functioning.

A learning disability:

• is a lifelong disability from childhood
• can affect the way the person understands things
• can make it hard for the person to manage on their own

A learning disability is different to a specific learning difficulty, like dyslexia.