Learning disabilities are caused by something affecting the development of the brain. This may occur before birth (prenatally), during birth, or in early childhood. Learning disabilities can be caused by any one of a variety of factors, or by a combination. Sometimes the specific cause is not known. Possible causes include the following:
- An inherited condition, meaning that certain genes passed from the parents affected the brain development, for example Fragile X.
- Chromosome abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome or Turner syndrome.
- Complications during birth resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain.
- A very premature birth.
- Mother’s illness during pregnancy.
- The mother drinking during pregnancy, for example Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.
- A debilitating illness or injury in early childhood affecting brain development, for example a road traffic accident or child abuse.
- Contact with damaging material (like radiation).
- Neglect, and/or a lack of mental stimulation early in life.
- Some people with learning disabilities have additional physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments.