Learning disabilities Flashcards
Define a learning disability
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.
What is the criteria someone needs to meet for a diagnosis for a learning disability ?
Depends on having an impairment of intellectual functioning, typically measured as an IQ below 70, along with a significant impairment of adaptive or social functioning.
So IQ <70 + significant impairmenr in adaptive or social functioning
IQ<70 can also be said as developmental age <18
Define adaptive behaviour
- Adaptive behavior refers to behavior that enables a person (usually used in the context of children) to get along in his or her environment with greatest success and least conflict with others.
- Adaptive behavior relates to every day skills or tasks that the average person is able to complete, similar to the term life skills.
What test is usually used to measure someones IQ ?
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
Define what a learning difficult is
- Any learning or emotional problem that affects, or substantially affects, a person’s ability to learn, get along with others and follow convention.
- An obstacle rather than something which incapacitates
- e.g. dyslexia
Appreciate these examples of what a learning disability is not:
- Dyslexia or any other educational difficulty
- Not something that happens to an adult i.e. acquired brain injury, dementia
- Cognitive decline due to chronic psychosis
How might you be able to tell that someone has a learning disability ?
- May be immediately apparent (Genetic syndrome, dysmorphic features)
- Information from self/ carers
- History of special schooling?
- Behaviour, communication
List the different severities of LD and the corresponding IQ levels for each
Also include the equivalent mental age for the corresponding IQ
- Borderline LD = IQ 70-84 or mental age of 12 to <15
- Mild LD = IQ is 50-69, mental age 9-12
- Moderate LD = IQ is 35-49, mental age 6-9
- Severe LD = IQ is 20-34, mental age is 3-6
- Profound LD = IQ <20, mental age <3
Describe the typical level of functioning of someone with a mild LD?
- Delayed speech - able to use everyday speech
- Full independence – Self care, practical & domestic skills
- Difficulties in Reading and Writing
- Capable of unskilled or semi-skilled work
- Problems if Social or Emotional Immaturity
- Rarely caused by a organic aetiology
This is the most common form of LD
Describe the typical level of functioning of someone with a moderate LD?
- Slow with Comprehension and Language
- Limited Achievements
- Delayed Self care and Motor Skills
- Simple Practical Tasks - Often with Supervision
- Usually Fully Mobile - Physically Active
- Discrepant profiles
- Majority caused by Organic Aetiology (same as you continue to go down to the more severe LD’s)
- Epilepsy & Physical Disability common (becomes more common as LD becomes more profound)
Describe the typical level of functioning of someone with a severe LD?
- Generally more marked impairment than in moderate LD and achievements more restricted.
- Epilepsy common
Describe the typical level of functioning of someone with a profound LD?
- Severe limitation in ability to understand or comply with requests or instructions.
- Little or no self-care.
- Often severe mobility restriction.
- Basic or simple tasks may be acquired.
What are the different chromosomal causes of learning disabilities ?
- Downs syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Patau syndrome - Trisomy 13
- Edwards syndrome - Trisomy 18
- cri du chat 5P - microcephlay severe/profound LD and cat like cry
- Angelman (15Q): (maternally derived) LD, ataxia, paroxysms of laughter
- Prader-Willi 15Q- (paternally derived) LD, over eating, self injurious behaviour
- Velo-cardiofacial syndrome 22Q- 50% have LD, increased risk of schizophrenia
What are some of the sex chromosome abnormalities which can result in learning disabilities ?
- Turners (45,X / 45,XO): LD rare
- Trisomy X (47 XXX)
- Klinefelter (XXY)
What are the different antenatal causes of learning disabilities ?
- Maternal Infection-Rubella, CMV, Toxoplasmosis
- Exposure to medication or drugs e.g. valproate
- alcohol (Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder – may be the cause of 10-20% of cases of mild LD, association with ADHD )
- Poor Diet, Substance abuse
