Learning Difficulties

Question 1

What is learning disability?

Answer 1

a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind

Question 2

How do LD’s usually manifest themselves?

Answer 2

impairment of skills

decreased intelligence, cognitive, motor and social abilities

Question 3

What is the IQ criteria for a learning disability?

Answer 3

<70

Question 4

What is the average IQ of the general population?

Answer 4

100

Question 5

What percentage of the population have an IQ of less than 70?

Answer 5

3%

Question 6

What is responsible for the decline in IQ in developed countries?

Answer 6

youth culture, less books and conversation, computer games, general education

Question 7

Is dyslexia a learning disability?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

How can you tell if someone has a learning disability?

Answer 8

may be apparent - genetics/dysmorphic features
information from carers
history of special schooling
behaviour, communication

Question 9

What is the IQ range for a mild Learning disability?

Answer 9

50-69

Question 10

What is the IQ range for a moderate learning disability?

Answer 10

35-49

Question 11

What is the IQ range for a severe learning disability?

Answer 11

20-34

Question 12

What is the IQ range for a profound learning disability?

Answer 12

<20

Question 13

What is the IQ range for a borderline learning disability?

Answer 13

70+

Question 14

What is seen in mild LD?

Answer 14

delayed speech
full independence
difficulties in reading and writing
capable of unskilled or semi-skilled work
problems if social or emotional immaturity

Question 15

What is seen in moderate LD?

Answer 15

Slow with comprehension and language 
limited achievements 
delayed self care and motor skills 
usually fully mobile 
majority organic aetiology

Question 16

What is seen in profound LD?

Answer 16

IQ less than 20
sever limitation in ability to understand or comply with requests
little/no self-care
severe mobility restriction

Question 17

What is seen in severe LD?

Answer 17

IW range 20-34
marked impairment more than moderate LD and achievements more restricted
epilepsy

Question 18

What are common genetic syndromes associated with learning deficiencies

Answer 18

downs syndrome
pats syndrome - trisomy 13
edwards syndrome - trisomy 18

Question 19

What are some chromosomal abnormalities associated with learning difficulties?

Answer 19

Prader-Willi - over eating, self-injury
Angelman - ataxia
cri du chat - microcephaly
williams

Question 20

What causes fragile X syndrome?

Answer 20

faulty FMR1 gene

Question 21

What is the genotype of Turners syndrome?

Answer 21

45 XO

Question 22

What is genotype in Klinefelters?

Answer 22

46 XXY

Question 23

What maternal infections can cause learning difficulty?

Answer 23

rubella
CMV
toxoplasmosis

Question 24

What maternal factors other than infection can cause LD?

Answer 24

alcohol
drugs
poor diet

Question 25

What newborn complications can predispose to LD?

Answer 25

respiratory distress 
hyperbilirubinaemia 
hypoglycaemia 
extreme prematurity 
CNS infections 
congenital hypothyroidism 
cerebral palsies

Question 26

Why are people with LDs more prone to psychiatric illnesses?

Answer 26

organic vulnerability - “brain damage”
social deprivation
life events
learned helplessness

Question 27

how can LD’s be managed?

Answer 27

therapeutic - e.g. psychiatric problems

education - school support, parents and carers

social unmet needs and support network

communication - hearing aids, pictorial, makaton

Question 28

What pharmacological treatment is available in LD?

Answer 28

epilepsy and constipation treatments

antipsychotics
antidepressants
anticonvulsants

Question 29

What is the triad of autistic spectrum symptoms?

Answer 29

abnormal social interaction
communication impairment
rigid/restricted or repetitive behaviour, interests and activities