He left me here to ramble on
My rambling pal is dead and gone
If when we die we go somewhere
I bet you a dollar he's a...crumbling...? there

My buddy lies under the sofa, I hope that nobody can see.

I'm inclined to suspect that this was a missuse of the term "learning disabilties". To me, "learning disabilities" has meant "wiring problems" that make specific skills such as math or reading a challange. This instance surely indicates a significant degree of generalized developmental disability.
Terms, terms, anyhow; is a change of terminology going to stop people with no sensitivity from branding anyone they perceive as being at all limited as a "retard".