Learning Disabilities

Valuing People (DOH, 2009) defines ‘learning disability’ to include the presence of:

• A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with;
• A reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning);
• Which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.

Some learning disabilities are diagnosed at birth, such as Down's syndrome. Others might not be discovered until the child is old enough to talk or walk.

If you are concerned about your child's development - please first seek the advice of your health visitor, and visit our page on Developmental Concerns.

If your child is diagnosed with a learning disability there is a wealth of services within the partnership that can support you, led by a community paediatrician and the specialist service for children with learning disabilities.

CCHP services that may be involved:

• Community Paediatrics
• Specialist Community Learning Disability Services
• Children’s Occupational Therapy
• Children's Speech and Language Therapy
• Health Visitor
• School Health Nurse