14 Learning Disability Flashcards
What is the WHO definition of LD?
Intellectual Disability means a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills
How might LD be measured
IQ tests
Adaptive Behaviour scales
What are the problems with IQ tests?
measure skills that aren’t that useful for everyday life
under performance thanks to other disabilities not accounted for
invalid application
What problems are associated with AB scales?
ignore context of carer support performance variability amongst settings assumes actions appropriate to culture poor performance - lack of opportunity core skills change over time
What are the grades of LD?
mild IQ 50-70
Moderate IQ 35-50
Severe IQ 20-35
profound IQ < 20
What are the characteristics of mild LD?
holds conversations, independence in self-care, basic literacy
What are the characteristics of moderate LD?
limited language, needs supervision in self care
What are the characteristics of severe LD?
uses words / gestures for basic needs
marked motor impairment likely
What are the characteristics of profound LD?
limited gestures or none
severely limited mobility
incontinence
What are the problems assessing LD epidemiology in the UK?
no UK national register for LD
local GPs may not differentiate LD groups
GP records tend to under-record those with mild LD
What is the epidemiology of mild LD?
18/1000
associated with poverty and disadvantge
most not in contact with specialist services, and the rates tend to increase in school years
What is the epidemiology of more severe LD?
3-4/1000 have moderate, severe, or profound LD
more likely to have an organic cause
less association with poverty
high mortality rates result in declining proportion amongst the elderly
How can you assist communication? (3)
environmental adaptation (signs, colour, coding) interpreters assissted communication (braille, symbols)
How do communication therapists assisst communication?
total communication
What are the 3 evangelical phases in LD perception?
early 19th century education and humane care
Early 20th century, eugenics, social darwinism
late 20th century normalisation
