Mental handicap (previously used term now replaced by learning disability)

Mental handicap, and mental retardation are terms previously used but now have been replaced.

In line with NICE's guideline on challenging behaviour and learning disabilities, a learning disability is defined as meeting 3core criteria:

• lower intellectual ability (usually an IQ of less than 70)
• significant impairment of social or adaptive functioning
• onset in childhood.

A person's learning disability may be described as mild, moderate, severe or profound. Learning disabilities are different from specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, which do not affect intellectual ability.

Reference:

• NICE (March 2018). Learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges: service design and delivery