Learning difficulties Flashcards
What is a learning difficulty?
Difficulty in acquiring knowledge and skills to the normal level expected of those of the same age, especially because of mental disability or cognitive disorder
What is the difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty?
Disability - low IQ, affecting global brain functioning, mental retardation
Difficulty - something that makes it harder to learn but can be corrected by a small thing eg changing paper colour, bigger text
Name 2 possible learning difficulties
ADHD
ASD
Name 2 learning disabilities
Down syndrome
Fragile X syndrome
What are the risk factors for ADHD?
Family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions Exposure to environmental toxins Maternal drug useage Smoking during pregnancy Premature birth
What are the risk factors for ASD?
Male sex Family history Other disorder - fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Rett syndrome Premature birth Older parents
What are the risk factors for Down syndrome?
Advancing maternal age
Parents being carriers of genetic translocation for Down syndrome
Having had one child with Down syndrome
What are the risk factors for fragile X syndrome?
Genetically inherited
Male - mother carrier of gene
Female - father/mother carrier of gene
How common is ADHD?
8.4% of children and 2.5% adults
More common amongst boys
How common is ASD?
1 in every 54 (1.9%) of 8 year old
4.3 times more common in boys
Equal representation among different racial and ethnic groups
How common is Down syndrome?
Most common chromosomal condition diagnosed
1 in 700
How common is fragile X syndrome?
x2 more common in men
Women often have milder symptoms than men
Affects around 1 in 4000 men and 1 in 8000 women
Women can be carriers, men cannot
Name 3 genetic disorders that could be a differential diagnosis
Deletion at 22q11p Kleinfelter's Prader-Willi Angelman's Rett syndrome Neurocutaneous disorders ef neurofibromatosis, Sturge-Weber syndrome, tuberous sclerosis
Name 3 acquired disorders that could be a differential diagnosis
History of prematurity Congenital hydrocephalus Traumatic brain injury Prior cerebral infection eg encephalitis Lead/mercury poisoning
Name 3 other disorders that could be a differential diagnosis
Intellectual disability/developmental delay Language or developmental disorder Visual or hearing impairment Seizure disorder Substance abuse
Name 3 emotional disorders that could be a differential diagnosis
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Psychosis
How does ADHD present?
Inattention
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
How does ASD present?
Problems with social interaction and communication skills
Limited, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities
What are the physical symptoms of Down syndrome?
Flattened face Small head Short neck Protruding tongue Upward slanting eye lids Unusually shaped or small ears Poor muscle tone Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm Relatively short fingers and small hands and feet Excessive flexibility Tiny white spots on iris Short height
What are the developmental symptoms of Down syndrome?
Mild-moderate cognitive impairment
Delayed language
Affects short and long term memory
What are the physical symptoms of fragile X syndrome?
Low muscle tone Large ears Flat face High forehead Often difficult to recognise in children
What are the developmental symptoms of fragile X syndrome?
Intellectual disability
What are the behavioural symptoms of fragile X syndrome?
Significant social anxiety Short attention span Distractibility Impulsiveness Restlessness Over-activity Sensory problems (ADHD like symptoms) Autism
What are the possible carrier traits of fragile X syndrome?
Social interaction Communication difficulties Learning difficulties ADHD Anxiety Depression Early menopause Parkinson's like conditions
How is ADHD diagnosed?
6 or more symptoms of inattentiveness or 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness
Symptoms continuously for at least 6 months
Started to show symptoms before 12
Over the age of 6
How is ASD diagnosed?
Look at how the child interacts
Ask parents a few questions
How is Down syndrome diagnosed?
Often diagnosed in the womb
Or
Diagnosed a birth which chromosomal analysis
How is fragile X syndrome diagnosed?
DNA blood tests looking for changes in the FMR1 gene
How is ADHD managed?
Medications to help with concentration and impulsions Psychoeducation CBT Parent training and education programmes Social skills training
What drugs might you give for ADHD?
Methylphenidate Dexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine Atomoxetine Guanfacine
How is ASD managed?
Behavioural management therapy CBT Early intervention Educational and school-based therapies Joint attention therapy Medication treatment Nutritional therapy Occupational therapy Parent-medicated therapy Physical therapy Social skills training Speech-language therapy
How is Down syndrome managed?
SLT
Physiotherapist
Optician or hearing specialist
Occupational and educational support
How is fragile X syndrome managed?
Treatments to minise symptoms - eg benzodiazepines when anxious
Appropriate education and medication
Therapy services
What does an IQ below 70 mean?
Significantly below average
May be lacking capacity for certain decisions
