Learning Disabilites

Question 1

What is meant by a learning /intellectual disability?

Answer 1

Learning Disability is a state of arrested or incomplete development of the mind. It is characterised by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period and skills
that contribute the overall level of intelligence.

Question 2

What 3 criteria must be met for a learning disability to be diagnosed?

Answer 2

1) A significant impairment of intelligence (IQ<70)

2) A significant impairment of adaptive functioning

3) Both of these impairments were evident before adulthood (18 years)

Question 3

What is the difference between a learning disability and a intellectual disability?

Answer 3

Nothing. They are the same thing.

Question 4

What is meant by adaptive functioning?

Answer 4

The ability of an individual to navigate activities of daily living/ day to day tasks e.g. cooking, washing, shopping, cleaning.

Question 5

Suggest 7 broad causes of learning disabilities?

Answer 5

1-Genetics
2-Prenatal/Antenatal (before birth)
3-Perinatal (during birth)
4-Neonatal
5-Postnatal (after birth)
6-Environmental
7-Psychiatric

Question 6

Suggest 2 Prenatal/ antenatal causes of learning disabilities?

Answer 6

1-Down syndrome

2-Fragile X syndrome

Question 7

What is fragile X syndrome?

Answer 7

A trinucleotide repeat disorder.
FMR-1 gene, amplified CGC sequence.

Question 8

Suggest 2 perinatal causes of learning disability?

Answer 8

1-Infection e.e.g toxoplasmosis
2-Asphyxia (a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen)

Question 9

Suggest 3 post natal causes of learning disability?

Answer 9

1.Epilepsy
2.Meningitis
3.Head injury

Question 10

Suggest 2 environmental causes of learning disability?

Answer 10

1-Malnutrition,
2-Lead/mercury poisoning,

Question 11

What test determines a persons level of intelligence?

Answer 11

Psychometric assessment in the form of IQ.

Question 12

What is an impairment occurring in adulthood (>18) known as?

Answer 12

Acquired brain injury

Question 13

Learning difficulty is not the same as learning disability.

True or false.

Answer 13

True
Learning difficulty refers to isolated problems with specific skills only e.g reading, writing.

Question 14

What is ADHD? and is it a learning disability?

Answer 14

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
No, it is a behavioral disorder.

Question 15

What is ASD? and is it a learning disability?

Answer 15

Autism spectrum disorder
No, it is a behavioral disorder.

Question 16

True or false.

People with intellectual/learning disabilities have a significantly reduced life expectancy relative to the general population.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Which gender is most affected by learning disabilities? Why?

Answer 17

Males

Due to fragile X syndrome

Question 18

What are the 3 categories of learning disabilities?

List the IQ levels associated with each category too.

Answer 18

1. Mild (IQ 69-50)
2. Moderate (IQ 49-35)
3. Severe/profound (IQ less than 34)

Question 19

Which category of learning disability is the most prevalent?

Answer 19

Mild (85%)

Moderate (10%)

Severe/profound (5%)

Question 20

Suggest 4 features of individuals with mild learning disability following the prompts below.

1-How is their self care?
2-How is their reading/writing?
3-How are their social skills?
4-How is their physical health/mobility?

Answer 20

1-Independent living is possible

2-Have good non-verbal communication, and are able to read & write basics.

3-Social development is normal besides some immaturity.

4-Normal mobility

Question 21

Suggest 4 features of individuals with moderate learning disability.
Following the prompts below.

1-How is their self care?
2-How is their reading/writing?
3-How are their social skills?
4-How is their physical health/mobility?

Answer 21

1-Self care; limited abilities, need supervision e..g assisted living.

2-May develop some reading & writing. Can use and understand simple phrases.

3-social development is limited but interaction is as usual.

4-Mobility is delayed but usually fully mobile. Increased risk of neurological disorders e.g. epilepsy.

Question 22

Suggest 4 features of individuals with severe learning disability following the prompts below.

1-How is their self care?
2-How is their reading/writing?
3-How are their social skills?
4-How is their physical health/mobility?

Answer 22

1-Self care is very limited, mainly incontinent and require 24hr supervision.

2-Have some visuospatial skills, speak few words and have a limited understanding.

3-Social development is very limited and often have autism

4-mobility is often impaired and individuals have musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Question 23

List five common psychiatric co-morbidities in Learning Disabilities

Answer 23

1-Depression
2-ADHD
3-Anxiety
4-Autism Spectrum Disorder
5-Bipolar disorder
6-Schizophrenia

Question 24

Suggest 7 common physical health problems seen in people with learning difficulties?

Answer 24

1-Constipation
2-Dental problems
3-Infections e.g. UTIs, ear, RTI
4-Obesity
5-Sensory impairments
6-Swallowing issues
7-Epilepsy

Question 25

Suggests 4 barriers to treating physical health conditions in people with learning disabilities?

Answer 25

1-Understanding and communicating symptoms

2-Capacity to consent

3-Non compliance with treatment

4-Sensitivity to medication

Question 26

Suggest 6 ways you can improve consultations for those with learning disabilities?

Answer 26

1-Allocate more time
2-Talk to informants/carers
3-Use communication passports
4-Reduce stress e.g. see at home, avoid long waits
5-Use simple jargon free language
6-Use easy read information leaflets
7-Go low and slow with medication

Question 27

What are IMCA?

Answer 27

Independent mental capacity advocates- locally commissioned, independent representatives to represent the interest of people who lack capacity.

NB-they are not the decision makers, but they write a independent report for the decision maker to read.

Question 28

What is meant by diagnostic overshadowing?

Answer 28

Diagnostic overshadowing occurs when a healthcare professional assumes that a patient’s complaint is due to their disability or coexisting mental health condition rather than fully exploring the cause of the patient’s symptoms.

Question 29

What is autism?

Answer 29

A lifelong developmental condition, associated with difficulties in social interaction and communication

Question 30

What is a communication passport?

Answer 30

A Communication Passport provides a practical and person-centred approach to passing on key information about people with complex communication difficulties who cannot easily speak for themselves.

Question 31

What are psychotropic medications?

Answer 31

Psychotropic medications are used to manage various symptoms and conditions that may co-occur with learning disabilities, such as mood disorders, anxiety, or behavioral issues.

Question 32

Describe the effects of psychotropic medication in people with learning disability

Answer 32

Effects of psychotropic meds:
1. Mood stabilizer
2. Anxiolytics
3. Behaviour management e.g.antipsychotics
4. Sleep aids

Question 33

What are the 7 sections to a Mental state examination?

Answer 33

1- Appearance and behaviour
2- Speech
3-Mood and affect
4-Thoughts
5-Perception
6-Insight and judgement
7-Risk

Question 34

What is meant by least restrictive practice?

Answer 34

Least Restrictive Practice promotes a strengths based and person-centred approach to delivering care and support while minimising the use of restraint.

E.g. This approach can be used with individuals with a learning disability who have complex needs and may present with behaviour that challenges.