Learning Disabilities

Question 1

What is a learning disability?

Answer 1

a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, which is especially characterised by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period, which contribute to the overall level of intelligence i.e. cognitive, language, motor and social abilities

Question 2

What is the criteria for diagnosis of a learning disability?

Answer 2

• intellectual impairment (IQ<70) (Wechsler)
• social or adaptive dysfunction (Vineland scale)
• onset in the developmental period (before age 18)

Question 3

What is used to classify the level of learning disability? What are the 4 different classifications?

Answer 3

• IQ
• Mild LD
• Moderate LD
• Severe LD
• Profound LD

Question 4

What causes learning disabilities?

Answer 4

• genetic e.g. chromosomal abnormality (Down’s), single gene mutations, microdeletion/duplication (Prader-Willi)
• infective e.g. antenatal rubella
• toxic e.g. foetal alcohol syndrome
• trauma e.g. birth asphyxia
• unknown