44. Developmental Presentations

Question 1

Outline learning difficulties, how they present and a DDx

Answer 1

IQ <70, poor adaptive functioning, <18y

S+S = Problems reading/writing/math, poor memory, problems paying attention, trouble following directions, clumsiness, trouble telling time, problems staying organized

DDx = Down’s syndrome, Williams syndrome, Autism and Asperger’s syndrome, fragile X syndrome, global developmental delay, cerebral palsy.

Question 2

Outline school refusal, how it presents and a DDx

Answer 2

When a child or young person starts to miss school frequently because of vague illnesses or symptoms

S+S = lack of school attendance, anxiety (stomach aches, diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, vague and general aches/pains), reluctance to get dressed, diff sleeping, less obvious Sx during weekends/holidays

2 main reasons:

• phobic reaction either to the general school situation or to a particular situation or thing within the school
• fear of attending school but the main source of the worry is leaving home or separating from family