Learning Disability and Autism

Learning Disability is not the same as Learning Difficulty. The latter does not affect someone’s intellectual ability, whereas the former does.

Examples of Learning Difficulties include Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyspraxia dyscalculia and dysgraphia. It is possible that both learning disability and learning difficulty can co-exist in individuals.

Learning disability is a lifelong condition which affects someone’s intellectual ability, which is significantly reduced, making it difficult for the individual to understand new or complex information or learn new skills. They struggle to cope independently with daily living activities or in interacting with people, and they take longer to learn. Several factors could cause Learning Disability which occurs when the brain is still developing before, during or soon after birth. A learning disability can be diagnosed at birth or during early childhood when developmental changes are noticed, but it is also possible that a diagnosis might not be made for several years or missed altogether. Conditions associated with learning disability include:

• Autism

• Aspergers Syndrome

• Downs Syndrome

• Cerebral Palsy

• SYNGAP1

• Global Developmental Delay

• Willaims Syndrome

• Fragile X Syndrome

Learning disability conditions can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Lots of people with a learning disability of any degree can still do things they enjoy and be independent and be involved in decisions about themselves.

The impact of the condition on the lives of our service users varies, and our range of support programmes is tailored to the specific needs, choices, and preferences of our service users. We work with specialist clinicians and social care professionals to provide support, including:

• Person-centred and strength-based support model for our service users with this condition, in a safe, comfortable, and homely environment where they can thrive and lead a comfortable life.

• Multi-professional team support and partnership to the care and support of our service users

• Supported accommodation for those transitioning into adulthood and young adults.

• With the assistance and guidance of healthcare professionals and clinicians, we implement management strategies and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) programmes.

• Social inclusion and integration by supporting the service user to access community facilities and religious and social-recreational activities safely.

• Actively supporting the personal growth and development of our service users through engagement with educational, occupational, recreational facilities, day services

• Support to access psychological, medical, and nutritional services and maintaining ongoing reviews with these clinical and managing the care pathways.

Medical Conditions