learning disabilities

Question 1

What is the definition of a learning disability

Answer 1

**‘Disorders of intellectual development are a group of etiologically diverse conditions originating during the developmental period characterised by significantly below average intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour that are approximately two or more standard deviations below the mean (approximately less than the 2.3rd percentile), based on appropriately normed, individually administered standardized tests.’

Question 2

What are the criteria someone needs to meet to have a learning disability

Answer 2

• Intellectual impairment (IG<70)
• Social or adaptive dysfunction - dysfunction in 2 of the following skills: communication, self care, social skills, self direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work
• Onset in the developmental period <18 years old

Question 4

Describe someone with a mild learning disability

Answer 4

• IQ 50-69
• Appear without disability
• Need more time to think
• Has poor problem solving and risk understanding

Question 5

Describe moderate learning disability

Answer 5

• IQ 35-49
• Notable disability
  -Needs a routine
• Struggles to understand conversations
• Struggle the use of language
• Struggle with certain skills

Question 6

Describe severe learning disability

Answer 6

• IQ 20-34
• Need help with most tasks
• basic understanding of language
• can learn to do repetitive tasks

Question 7

Describe profound learning disability

Answer 7

• IQ <20
• Have complex care needs
• Usually multiple disabilities
• require constant care
• Unlikely to understand language

Question 8

What is diagnostic overshadowing

Answer 8

Thinking the presenting symptoms are down to a condition that they already have and not looking further into what may be causing the presenting symptom