Learning Difficulties Flashcards
What is the definition of learning difficulties?
A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn new skills.
A reduced ability to cope independently (impaired functioning).
What is the prevalence of LD?
Estimated 1.14 million people in England
236,000 children identified as having SEN associated with learning disabilities
908,000 adults
What is the aetiology of LD?
Genetic/inherited basis
6,000 syndromes
What are some learning disabilities disorders?
Down Syndrome - 1 in 800 (most common)
Fragile X Syndrome - 1 in 1,000 (most common)
Prader-willi Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
What is the aetiology of Down Syndrome?
Genetic condition
Chromosomal based condition
1. Trisomy 21 - three chromosomes are present in all cells
2. Mosaic pattern - an extra chromosome is only present in some cells
What are the physical features of Down Syndrome? x6
- Facial features: round face, small nose with flat nasal bridge, small mouth with protruding tongue, eyes that slant upwards and outwards
- Palm creases
- Nuchal Fold thickness (back of the neck)
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone) - appears floppy
- Widely separated first and second toe
- Single palmer crease, short fifth finger which curves upwards
What are the developmental related difficulties related to Down Syndrome? x3
- Learning disabilities ranging from mild to profound
- Speech and language difficulties, ranging from mild to profound
- Motor difficulties
What are the health related difficulties related to Down Syndrome? x5
- Heart and respiratory problems
- Glue Ear, hearing impairment, Otitis media
- Bowel problems e.g. constipation
- Association with Alzheimer’s dementia
- Association with Leukaemia
What is the aetiology of Fragile X Syndrome?
Inherited condition - one or both of your parents has it
Chromosomal condition
Unstable/fragile x chromosome
More common in boys - only have one x chromosome
What are the physical feature of Fragile X Syndrome?
Not always present at birth but become more noticeable as the child gets older
Elongated face, high forehead, high arched palate, large ears, large hands, flat feet, large hands, feet and ears
Hypotonia (decreased muscle tone)
What are the developmental difficulties related to Fragile X Syndrome?
Speech and language difficulties (mild to severe): DVD
Cluttering
Learning disabilities (boys - more severe)
Autistic tendencies/Autism
Attention difficulties
Behavioural difficulties
What are the health difficulties related to Fragile X Syndrome? x2
Otitis media (glue ear)
Epilepsy - approximately 20%
What are the most common aetiologies of LDs?
Maternal infections
Maternal alcohol assumption e.g. FASD
Metabolic disorders
Premature birth
Oxygen deprivation at birth
Brain infections e.g. encephalitis
What is the identification process like with LD?
Prior to birth - few years after birth
Identification - by paediatrician/CAMHS team
Identification of a specific syndrome typically involves genetic testing and other medical assessment
Parents and/other professionals may recognise signs and help inform the identification process
