9) Developmental Disorders & Learning Disabilities

Question 1

Define learning disability.

Answer 1

• Arrested/incomplete mind development (impaired skills & reduced overall intelligence)
• Manifests before 18 year old

Question 2

Suggest some possible causes of learning disability.

Answer 2

• Biological:
  +Fragile X
  +Downs syndrome
  +Maternal alcohol, infections, drugs
• Social (malnutrition, child abuse)
• Environment (poor housing, low stimulation)

Question 3

Describe some of the features of learning disability.

Answer 3

• Reduced ability to understand new/complex information
• Reduced ability to learn new things
• Reduced ability to cope independently

Question 4

Define a challenging behaviour.

Answer 4

Abnormally aggressive behaviour which is predictable, serious and of such intensity, frequency & duration that they/others aren’t safe OR will prevent them accessing services.

Question 5

What is the first line medication for learning disabilities?

Answer 5

Antipsychotics

Question 6

Suggest some possible causes of challenging behaviour in learning disabilities.

Answer 6

• Physical (ear wax, pain, constipation)
• Psychological (depression, dementia, autism, psychosis)
• Environmental (changes in staffing, changes in routine)

Question 7

Describe mild learning disability. What is their IQ?

Answer 7

IQ of between 50-69 which means the patient struggles with academics (reading and writing) however, can use speech and some CAN work towards independence and employment.

Question 8

Describe moderate learning disability. What is their IQ?

Answer 8

IQ of between 35-49 which means they have slow language development and need support/supervision for most things.

Question 9

Describe severe learning disability. What is their IQ?

Answer 9

IQ of between 20-34 which results in severe motor impairment due to serious CNS damage. This also results in the patients having few words/signs.

Question 10

Describe profound learning disability. What is their IQ?

Answer 10

These patients have an IQ of below 20 and this means they are severely immobile and incontinent.

Question 11

What is the most common cause of mild learning disabilities?

Answer 11

Chromosomal abnormalities (however, social and environmental can play a part)

Question 12

Suggest THREE conditions associated with learning disabilities.

Answer 12

• Epilepsy
• Autism
• Conduct disorders

Question 13

How may a patient with a moderate learning disability present if they have depression?

Answer 13

• Isolation

- Weight loss

Question 14

How may a patient with a learning disability present if they have mania/hypomania?

Answer 14

• Increased motor activity
• Aggression
• Grandiose ideas & delusions
• Get distracted/startled

Question 15

What types of anxiety disorder are common in people with learning disabilities?

Answer 15

• Mostly phobias
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Post traumatic stress disorder is also common as people w/ learning disabilities are more likely to be the victims of abuse

Question 16

People with learning disabilities are more likely to age rapidly, compared to other people, once they get older. At what age does this rapid aging commonly begin?

Answer 16

45 years old

Question 17

Which test do you use to assess mental state of a person with Down’s syndrome? At what age is this test commonly administered?

Answer 17

DLD which is commonly administered at 30 years old.

Question 18

What IQs correspond to mild, moderate, severe & profound learning disabilities.

Answer 18

Mild - 50-69
Moderate - 35-49
Severe - 20-34
Profound - Less than 20