This report (61 pages) reviews the current scientific understanding of learning difficulties and presents a conceptual model for typical and atypical learning. The role and importance of the causal drivers of learning difficulties are discussed and the interaction of these drivers are presented in three influence diagrams relating to functional literacy, functional numeracy and executive control functions. The prevalence and impact of learning difficulties over the next 20 years is examined. Table of contents: * The situation today (Prevalence. Learning and learning difficulties: current understandings. The most frequent learning difficulties of childhood. Reciprocal effects and co-morbidity. A learning model for typical and atypical development) * Causal drivers of learning difficulties with reference to the model (Sensory processing. Cognitive processing. Social cognition. Executive function and metacognition. Emotion. Self-concept. Causal drivers of learning difficulties - summary) * Future scenarios (The impact of important drivers) * Conclusion * Map: Influence diagram for executive function * Appendix A: Overview of the work of the Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing.

This major new reference presents The Foresight MentalCapital and Wellbeing Project (a UK Government project in theGovernment Office for Science). It offers a comprehensiveexploration of how mental capital and wellbeing operate over thelifespan; how experiences in the family, in school, at work andfollowing retirement augment or reduce mental capital andwellbeing, and the impact that this has for the individual and forthe welfare and economic progress of the nation. Mental Capital and Wellbeingcomprises a series ofscientific reviews written by leading international scientists andsocial scientists in the field. The reviews undertake systematicanalyses of the evidence base surrounding five key themes, on whichthey propose future policies will have to be based. Aninternationally renowned team of Editors introduce each theme anddraw together conclusions in terms of both policy andpractice. Section 1 (Mental Capital and Wellbeing Through Life)– Mental capital refers to the totality of anindividual’s cognitive and emotional resources, includingtheir cognitive capability, flexibility and efficiency of learning,emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of stress. Theextent of an individual’s resources reflects his or her basicendowment (e.g. genes and early biological programming), motivationand experiences (e.g. education) which take place throughout thelife course. This section presents the very latest on the scienceof mental capital throughout life. Section 2 (Learning Through Life) provides a coherentoverview of a fast-moving and complex field of policy and practice.Educational attainment has a considerable impact on physical andmental wellbeing, both directly and indirectly, by enabling peoplebetter to achieve their goals. The ability to continue learningthroughout the lifespan is critical to a successful and rewardinglife in contemporary societies. Section 3 (Mental Health and Ill-Health) draws together themost recent evidence about positive mental health as well as arange of mental disorders to consider their importance to thepopulation and economy in terms of prevalence and disability andthe wider burden on society. Section 4 (Wellbeing and Work) – It is estimated that13 million working days are lost through stress each year, costingthe economy over £3.7 billion per annum. This theme exploresthose drivers that influence the nature and structure of work andthe impact this has on employee wellbeing. Section 5 (Learning Difficulties) – This theme providesa cutting-edge picture of how recent insights from genetics,cognitive and neuroscience improve our understanding of learningdifficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia andattention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Reviews focus on howcurrent research can contribute to early diagnosis and improvedintervention.