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mental handicap (previously used term now replaced by learning disability)
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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.
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Last edited 01/2021 and last reviewed 01/2021
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