Moderate Learning Difficulty

Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) can also be known as GLD – a global learning delay or difference. This is a generic learning difficulty which relates to a general delay in learning and can affect people in a number of different ways.

A moderate learning difficulty is not a medical diagnosis, but a range of assessments can be carried out to determine whether a learning difficulty is present. This includes literacy and numeracy diagnostics or tests, psychometric testing, IQ tests, and educational psychology assessments.

It can be difficult to recognise someone with MLD as its presentation can be confused with ‘bad’ behaviour, autism, or Specific Learning Differences. MLD can also be diagnosed alongside other learning difficulties.

The signs and symptoms

Employees with MLD could have some or all of the following traits:

• Limited understanding of terms, concepts and associations
• May have slow speech or poor vocabulary
• Poor understanding of words and pictures, as well as word association
• Low confidence or self-esteem
• Challenges in a social environment
• May find it easier to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’
• May struggle with memory, sustaining attention, decision making and comprehension
• May not understand levels of seriousness, consequences or not responding well to instructions
• Individuals may have heightened phobias or anxieties
• May appear immature for age
• May struggle with organisation
• Could be involved in bullying.

Ideas to support inclusion

Strategies for working with employees with MLD:

• Speak to the employee and listen to their needs. They probably have their own strategies and are aware of what their strengths and weaknesses are.
• Encourage independence at all opportunities and avoid over dependence on support.
• Provide hand-outs
• Break tasks down into manageable sections, one or two instructions at a time
• Give full explanations using simple language
• Praise effort and reassure
• Allow extra time for tasks, assessments if necessary
• Revisit and recap prior activities regularly to allow extra opportunities to reinforce learning.