Learning Disabilities Flashcards
Step-by-Step Process for Postural Assessment:
Visual Inspection:
Observe the patient’s posture in both sitting and standing positions. Look for any signs of abnormal alignment, such as:
Head tilt or forward head posture.
Uneven shoulder heights, which could suggest scoliosis or uneven muscle tone.
Curved spine (scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis).
Excessive muscle tightness in certain areas like the upper back, legs, or neck.
Assess Muscle Tone and Strength:
Palpate muscles to determine areas of tightness or spasticity (e.g., in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or back muscles).
Passive range of motion (ROM) exercises should be performed to assess joint flexibility and resistance.
Pay special attention to areas where muscle weakness is evident, which can
affect postural control.
Check for Gait and Balance:
Observe how the patient walks or moves. In CP, gait may include:
Toe-walking due to tight calf muscles.
Scissoring gait where the legs cross over each other.
Abnormal arm swing or lack of coordination.
Check balance by having the patient try to stand on one leg, or assess their ability to maintain stability during transitions (e.g., from sitting to standing).
Assess Functional Movements:
Ask the patient to perform tasks like reaching, bending over, or standing from a seated position. This will help determine how posture and muscle tone affect functional movements.
Observe for compensatory movements, where the patient may adjust other parts of their body to make up for weakness or spasticity in certain areas.
Cognitive and Learning Disability Considerations:
Consider the learning disability when interpreting posture and movement, as the patient may have difficulty following complex instructions or performing tasks due to cognitive limitations.
Encourage simplified instructions and step-by-step guidance to facilitate movement during the assessment.
Report Findings:
Document abnormal postures, joint limitations, and any compensatory strategies used by the patient to perform basic functions.
Plan for Intervention:
Coordinate with therapists (physical, occupational, or speech therapists) to create a tailored rehabilitation plan focusing on improving posture, mobility, and strength.
Discuss potential use of assistive devices like braces or walkers to support the patient’s posture and improve balance and movement.
Postural Assessment for a Patient with Cerebral Palsy and a Learning Disability
Purpose of Postural Assessment
The postural assessment aims to evaluate how the patient’s body is aligned and how their musculoskeletal system functions. For someone with cerebral palsy (CP) and a learning disability, the assessment also takes into consideration cognitive challenges and their impact on posture and movement.
Learning Disabilities
Definition
Learning disabilities are specific, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders that affect how a person learns, processes, and retains information. These are often identified through standardized testing, showing a significant discrepancy between expected and actual performance in certain areas of learning, despite normal or above-average intelligence.
Learning Disabilities
How They Occur:
Learning disabilities are primarily caused by differences in brain development and functioning. Genetic factors can play a role, as well as environmental influences during pregnancy or early childhood. Common examples include dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia.
Learning Disabilities
When Can They Occur?
Learning disabilities can be identified as early as preschool or elementary school, when children begin to struggle with foundational academic skills like reading, writing, or math. However, they may persist into adulthood.
Learning Disabilities
Who Does It Affect?:
Learning disabilities affect people of all intellectual levels. However, they are more commonly seen in individuals who experience delays in language, motor skills, or have family histories of specific learning disabilities.
Learning Disabilities
How Does It Present?
The primary symptoms include difficulty in specific academic skills. Some signs of learning disabilities are:
Difficulty reading or decoding words (dyslexia).
Struggling with math concepts and number manipulation (dyscalculia).
Difficulty with writing (dysgraphia).
Difficulty with organization, planning, or fine motor tasks (dyspraxia)
Learning Disabilities
Treatment:
Treatment typically includes special education services, individualized learning plans (IEPs), and specialized teaching methods (e.g., multi-sensory teaching techniques). In some cases, assistive technology and therapy (e.g., occupational therapy for motor skills) are used to support learning.
Learning Difficulties
Definition:
Learning difficulties refer to temporary or non-specific challenges in learning, which may be caused by external factors or a lack of resources and support. These difficulties can result from a variety of reasons, such as environmental factors or emotional issues.
Learning Difficulties
How They Occur:
Learning difficulties often occur because of factors like:
Lack of proper teaching methods or instructional support.
Emotional stress or mental health challenges.
Language barriers or environmental stressors.
Socioeconomic factors leading to inadequate educational support.
Learning Difficulties
When Can They Occur?
Learning difficulties can occur at any time but are often observed in school-aged children who are in environments that are not conducive to effective learning. These can improve with the right educational interventions and environmental changes.
Learning Difficulties
Who Does It Affect?
Learning difficulties can affect individuals in any age group and can happen due to temporary factors like emotional trauma, stressful home environments, or lack of access to quality education.
Learning Difficulties
How Does It symptoms?
Symptoms can include:
Poor academic performance not consistent with the individual’s overall intelligence.
Difficulty concentrating or staying engaged in tasks.
Delayed or inconsistent progress in subjects like math or reading.
A lack of interest or motivation in academic tasks.
Emotional or behavioural issues due to frustration with learning tasks.
Learning Difficulties
Treatment
The treatment for learning difficulties involves addressing the underlying cause. For instance:
Improving educational resources or modifying teaching methods.
Providing emotional or behavioural support (e.g., counselling or therapy).
Addressing external factors such as socioeconomic or family issues.
Cerebral Palsy (Detailed)
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development, typically occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. The primary characteristics of CP are issues with muscle tone, posture, and movement.
Cerebral Palsy
How Does It Occur?
Brain Injury or Developmental Issues: CP results from damage to the brain areas controlling muscle movements. This can happen before, during, or after birth.
Common causes include:
Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are at higher risk of brain damage due to underdeveloped organs.
Lack of oxygen (asphyxia): During birth, insufficient oxygen can impair brain development.
Infections: Infections in pregnancy (like rubella or cytomegalovirus) or during infancy (such as meningitis) can cause brain damage.
Trauma or head injury: Injury to the brain during early childhood can cause CP.
Genetic factors: Sometimes, genetic mutations can contribute to the risk.
Cerebral Palsy
When Can It Occur?
CP is a condition that occurs in utero or in the early stages of infancy, usually before the child is 2 years old. It can happen during pregnancy, delivery, or in the first years of life.
Cerebral Palsy
Who Does It Affect?
CP can affect anyone, but the most at-risk individuals are:
Premature babies.
Low birth weight babies.
Babies with certain infections during pregnancy or infancy.
Infants who experience birth complications like lack of oxygen during delivery.
Cerebral Palsy
How is It Treated?
No Cure: There is no cure for CP, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Physical Therapy: To enhance motor skills, coordination, strength, and flexibility.
Occupational Therapy: To assist in developing fine motor skills and daily living tasks.
Speech Therapy: For those who have difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Medications: Medications such as muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, or anti-spasmodic drugs may help manage spasticity or seizures.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to lengthen muscles, straighten bones, or reduce spasticity.
Assistive Devices: Use of wheelchairs, braces, and prosthetics to enhance mobility and function.
