3 - Learning Disabilities Flashcards
Definition of learning disability
A heterogenous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities
Learning disability
-concomitance with handicapping condns
Though a LD may occur concomitantly, it is not the direct result of those condns or influences
Learning disability
-prevalence
Ambiguous definition
~5% of school-aged children in USA are dx
Varies based on definition, age, population
Learning disability
-etiology (5)
Genetics Nutrition Low birth weight Psychological status Maturation of nervous system
Learning disability
-adaptive behaviors (3)
Withdrawal
Clowning
Regression
Reading dysfunction
-basics
Defined as a ”failure to read”
Most common and specific LD
OD intervention has a maximum impact when the reading problem is related to speed, comprehension, fatigue, and loss of place
Reading dysfunction
- intelligence
- education
- development
- brain
- emotions
Avg or above avg intelligence
Adequate education opportunities
Normal sensory development (auditory, visual)
No frank brain damage
No emotional disturbance
Reading dysfunction -dyslexia —definition/description —importance of dx —prognosis
Specific type of reading dysfunction
Deficit in ability to interpret the symbols of written language
Important to differentiate from other non-specific/generalized reading dysfunctions (less severe)
Poor prognosis - exhibit alterations in brain function
Reading dysfunction
-letter recognition
—Gibson’s 2 stages
—reversals
1 - learns to look for the individual parts of letters -> enable to ID/name
2 - requires attention to directional orientation
Reversals should be 0 by 8yo/3rd grade
Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—3 types and descriptions
Dyseidesia - genetic, poor sight-word recognition, relies on time-consuming word-attack skills to decode many words
(“dySEEdesia”)
Dysphonesia - impaired phonetic ability, relies on sight-word vocabulary
Dysnemkinesia - reversals in writing/printing
Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—screener
Rapid screening tool for all 3 types
Requires ~5min
Less comprehensive than Jordan L/R reversal test
Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—eye movements
Incr number of fixations, regressions (seen on Visigraph)
Longer duration of fixations
Inefficient eye movements
Attention deficit disorder
- prevalence
- estimations from 2011-2016
~5% of school-aged children
Slight decrease
Attention deficit disorder
-characteristics (3)
Inattention
Impulsivity
Hyperacitivity
Attention deficit disorder
-ADHD and ADD symptoms can appear as early as
3-6 years and can continue thru adolescence and adulthood
Attention deficit disorder
-concomitant condns
Very common
E.g. behavior problems, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum
Attention deficit disorder
-diagnosis
—ADHD dx (16 or younger)
—ADD dx (16 or younger)
6+ hyperactive/impulse symtoms for at least 6 mo
6+ symptoms of inattention for at least 6 mo, but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity
Attention deficit disorder
-treatments
—stimulants
—non-stimulants
Most common type of med used for ADHD
Incr dopamine and norepi - play essential roles in thinking and attention
Take longer to start working
Used when pt has bothersome SE to stimulants, when it was ineffective, or in combo with a stimulant
Attention deficit disorder
-pharmacology review
—3 drugs
—SE of one
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Amphetamine (Adderall)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Dextro SE: adrenergic agonist
- mydriasis
- dry eyes
- acute angle closure (if narrow angles)
