The emotional lives of people with learning disability

Summary The emotional lives and difficulties of people with learning disabilities are much neglected. This paper reviews accounts of research and therapy and makes an assessment of the current state of knowledge. Very little research actually exists when compared to the non‐learning disabled, and so, studies of psychotherapy, child development, parent‐infant bonding, psychological assessment and emotional disturbance in people with learning disability are examined. The review finds that there is evidence to suggest the presence of a significantly higher level of emotional developmental problems and disturbance in people with learning disability. This problem requires multidisciplinary attention if progress in improving quality of life is to be maintained.