Learning Difficulties Flashcards
What is an intellectual disability ?
- a significant impairment of intelligence ( IQ lower than 70 )
- a significant impairment of adaptive functioning
- both should be evident before 18
What is adaptive functioning ?
Refers to a persons ability to manage their activities of daily living
What are some conditions associated with intellectual disability ?
Neurological disorder - cerebral palsy, epilepsy
Visual and auditory impairment
Mental illness
What are some prenatal causes of intellectual disability ?
Down syndrome
Fragile x
Spina bifida
Cerebral palsy
Maternal malnutrition, use of drugs or alcohol
What is fragile X syndrome ?
Trinucleotide repeat disorder - amplified CGG repeat sequence
What are some physical features of fragile X syndrome ?
High forehead
Large ears
Long face
Prominent jaw
Large testes
Connective tissue weakness
What are some psychiatric associations with fragile X syndrome ?
Social anxiety
Aggression
Hyperactivity
Attention deficit
Self injury
What are some perinatal causes of intellectual disability ?
Intrauterine infections - toxoplasmosis
Asphyxia
Premature birth
Difficulties during labour
What are the different levels of intellectual disability ?
Mild - IQ 69-50
Moderate - IQ 49-35
Severe - IQ less than 34
What are some features of mild intellectual disability ?
Delayed expressive language
Immaturity in social development
Possible independent living
How does moderate intellectual disability present ?
Delayed expressive language and uses simple phrases
Limited comprehension
Limited ability with self care
Limited academic work
Limited social development
What are the features of severe intellectual disability ?
Severely delayed expressive language
Very limited comprehension
Very limited self care
Dependent living
Very limited social development
Who is part of the clinical team in intellectual disability in psychiatry ?
Community learning disability nurses
Speech and language therapist
Occupational therapist
Physiotherapist
Clinical psychologist
Teachers
What is the definition of autism ?
A lifelong neuro developmental condition, the core features of which are persistent difficulties in social interaction and social communication and the presence of stereotypical behaviours, resistance to change or restricted interests
What kind of behaviours might be seen as challenging ?
Aggression
Self injury
Damage to objects
Loud
Inappropriate sexual behaviour
Spitting
