Learning disability

A learning disability means someone who has a low IQ (less than 70) and significant difficulty with everyday tasks.  Around one third of children in custody have a learning disability.¹

A witness with a learning disability may need special measures to provide them with extra help when they give evidence to the police or at court. A defendant with a learning disability may need extra help to effectively participate in what is happening at the police station or at court.

1. p. 9 Nobody Made the Connection: The prevalence of neurodisability in young people who offend, Childrens Commissioner, October 2012  (back)