Learning disabilities

Question 1

What IQ score indicates a significant impairment?

Answer 1

Less than 70

Question 2

Prenatal causes of intellectual disabilities

Answer 2

Genetic syndromes
- Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome
- Spina bifida, cerebral palsy
Environmental factors- malnutrition, drugs, alchohol

Question 3

What is Fragile X syndrome?

Answer 3

Trinucleotide repeat disorder:
FMR-1 gene (amplified CGG repeat sequence) Prevalence: 1 in 2000 males
– Most common inherited cause of ID)

Physical features
High forehead, large ears, long face prominent jaw
Large testes (macro-orchidism),
Connective tissue weakness, hyperextensible joints, striae on skin

Psychiatric associations
- Social anxiety
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
- Attention deficit
- Self injury

Question 4

Perinatal causes of learning disabilities

Answer 4

Biomedical factors
Intrauterine infections – e.g. Toxoplasmosis

Environmental factors
E.g. Asphyxia, premature birth or other difculties during labour/delivery

Question 5

Post natal causes of learning disabilities

Answer 5

Biomedical factors
E.g. Epilepsy, meningitis, measles, other infectious diseases

Environmental factors
E.g. Head injury, non accidental injury, lead/mercury poisoning, malnutrition, social deprivation.

Question 6

Differentiate between mild, moderate and severe learning disabilities

Answer 6

Cognitive Abilities:

Mild: Can learn up to a 6th-grade level; struggles with abstract thinking.
Moderate: Basic academic skills (2nd-grade level); concrete thinking.
Severe: Minimal academic ability; focuses on basic self-care skills.
Communication:

Mild: Good communication, needs help with abstract topics.
Moderate: Simple sentences; limited vocabulary.
Severe: Very limited speech; may rely on gestures or assistive communication.
Daily Living Skills:

Mild: Mostly independent with minimal support.
Moderate: Requires regular assistance with tasks like dressing or cooking.
Severe: Dependent on caregivers for most daily activities.
Social Skills:

Mild: Can form relationships; needs guidance with social cues.
Moderate: Limited social understanding; may need close supervision.
Severe: Relies heavily on caregivers for social interaction.
Work and Independence:

Mild: Can handle simple jobs with support.
Moderate: Limited to structured, supervised tasks.
Severe: Unable to work independently.