'Learning difficulties' is the term preferred by the self-advocacy movement in the UK and is used on this website in preference to mental retardation, intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairment or other labels. Learning difficulties is preferred by self-advocates because it is more inclusive than the alternatives - we all experience difficulties in learning something whether it be reading maps, playing an instrument, speaking a foreign language, mending a fuse or whatever- and because it acknowledges people's potential for personal development.

'We don't like labels, and would prefer not to use them, but we know they sometimes have to be used - when we get benefits, or ask for money. Therefore if we must be labelled, it should be a name we like. We prefer to be called people with learning difficulties'

(Speaking Up In Gateshead self-advocacy group)