What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities - for example household tasks, socialising or managing money - which affects a person for their whole life.

People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.

There are approximately 70,000 people with a learning disability in Wales, with family members, carers and friends connected to them.

However, only 1 in 4 people with a learning disability in Wales are known to social services.

Conditions and learning disability

People with certain specific conditions can have a learning disability too. For example, people with Down syndrome and some people with autism can have a learning disability.

Two young children sat together playing

Cyflyrau sy'n gysylltiedig ag anabledd dysgu

Yn ogystal â bod ag anabledd dysgu, mae gan lawer o bobl gyflyrau corfforol ac emosiynol eraill, ac efallai y byddan nhw'n cael mwy nag un diagnosis.  

Gallai hyn gael effaith ar y math o gefnogaeth sydd arnyn nhw a'u teuluoedd ei hangen yn eu bywydau o ddydd i ddydd.  Gallwch gael mwy o wybodaeth am rai o'r cyflyrau sydd â chysylltiad agos ag anabledd dysgu isod.

Rhagor o wybodaeth

What support do people with a learning disability need?

The level of support someone with a learning disability needs depends on the individual. 

For example, a person with a mild learning disability may only need support with things like getting a job. However, someone with a severe or profound learning disability may need full time care and support with every aspect of their life - they may also have physical disabilities.

It’s important to remember that with the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead independent lives.

Young boy playing with paint in nursery

Anabledd dysgu wedi'i egluro

Chwiliwch am ragor o wybodaeth am anabledd dysgu yn ein hadran Anabledd dysgu wedi'i egluro ar brif wefan Mencap.

Yma, fe ddewch chi o hyd i fanylion am gyflyrau penodol, yn ogystal ag adnoddau ar gyfer gweithwyr proffesiynol gofal iechyd a chyflogwyr.

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