Introduction to Intellectual Impairment

Question 1

what is a learning disability?

Answer 1

a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities which affects someone for their whole life?

Question 2

what does intellectual disability involve?

Answer 2

Problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in:
- intellectual functioning
- adaptive functioning

Question 3

what are acceptable labels for learning disability patients?

Answer 3

• person with intellectual impairment
• person with learning difficulty
• person with a learning disability

Question 4

what is an impairment?

Answer 4

any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function
- occurs at the level of organ or system function

Question 5

what is a disability?

Answer 5

any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being

Question 6

what is the society model of disability?

Answer 6

disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a persons impairment or difference

Question 7

what is the medical model of disability?

Answer 7

says people are disabled by their impairments or differences

Question 8

what are the barriers to a social model for disability?

Answer 8

• segregated social provision
• inflexible organisational procedures and practises
• inaccessible information
• inaccessible buildings
• inaccessible transport
• negative cultural representations

Question 9

what are the causes of a learning disability at a preconception level?

Answer 9

• hereditary = parental genotype
• environmental = maternal health

Question 10

what are the causes of a learning disability at a prenatal level?

Answer 10

• hereditary = chromosomal/genetic
• environmental = infection/maternal health/nutrition/toxic agents

Question 11

what are the causes of a learning disability at a perinatal level?

Answer 11

• environmental = prematurity/injury

Question 12

what are the causes of a learning disability at a postnatal level?

Answer 12

• hereditary = untreated genetic disorders (PKU)
• environmental = infection/trauma/toxic agents/nutritions/sensory social deprivation

Question 13

what are examples of syndromes that are associated with learning disability?

Answer 13

• down’s syndrome
• prader willi syndrome
• autism spectrum syndrome
• angelman syndorme

Question 14

what is Down’s syndrome?

Answer 14

a neurodevelopmental disorder of genetic origin affecting chromosome 21
- 95% caused by trisomy of chromosome
- 2-4% mosaicism
- 2-4% rearrangement

Question 15

what is the greatest risk factor for down’s syndrome?

Answer 15

advanced maternal age

Question 16

what chromosome is affected in Prader Willi syndrome?

Answer 16

Chromosome 15

Question 17

what are the presentations of Prader Willi syndrome?

Answer 17

• constant desire to eat food
• restricted growth (leading to short stature)
• reduced muscle tone
• learning difficulties
• lack of sexual development
• behavioural problems

Question 18

what is autism spectrum disorder?

Answer 18

a complex developmental condition, behaviourally defined, that includes a range of possible developmental impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication, and also a stereotyped, repetitive or limited behavioural repertoire

Question 19

what is cerebral palsy? what are the presentations?

Answer 19

neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination
- muscle stiffness or floppiness
- muscle weakness
- random and uncontrolled movements
- balance & coordination problems
- defined by movement, limbs affected or severity

Question 20

Why might a patient with down’s syndrome be more susceptible to periodontal disease?

Answer 20

• difficulty engaging with oral hygiene regime
• impaired migration of gingival fibroblasts
• poor saliva quality
• impaired neutrophil chemotaxis
• unregulated production of inflammatory mediators

Question 21

Why is dentistry a potential problem for patients with Autism Spectrum Syndrome?

Answer 21

Dental environment can be overwhelming
- sensory atypia
- hypersensitivity to bright lights/noises/touch