Learning Disabilities, Down's Syndrome, and Autism Flashcards
Define learning disability
Subaverage intellectual functioning, alongside deficits in at least 2 areas of adaptive functioning, that occurs before the age of 18
What IQ range do LDs tend to lie in?
IQ below 70
What are the adaptive skills?
Communication Self care Home living Social skills Community use Self direction Health and safety Functional academics Leisure Work
What is the range for a Borderline IQ?
70-84
What is the range for a Mild LD IQ?
50-69
What is the range for a Moderate LD IQ?
35-49
What is the range for a Severe LD IQ?
20-34
What is the range for a Profound LD IQ?
Below 20
What are the characteristics of a borderline LD?
Subtle - live independantly but still vulnerable.
Experience communication difficulties. School drop-out or in special education. Struggle to keep a job. Risk of relationship abuse.
What are the characteristics of a mild LD?
Relative independence, however abstract concepts are difficult (e.g. perception of time). May have paid employment. Require varing levels of care.
What are the characteristics of a moderate LD?
Basic communication skills, require supervision with self care. Live in supported accommodation. Can engage in structured programmes/workshops.
What are the characteristics of a severe LD?
Very limited communication, motor impairment, need supervision for ADLs.
What are the characteristics of a profound LD?
Require 24 hour supervision, often have multiple co-morbidities. Inner world largely unavailable to others due to communication difficulties.
What are learning disabilities confused with?
Learning difficulties i.e. dyselxia, dyspraxia, dyscalclia (SP??), ADHD or ASD (issues with concentration)
Can someone develop a learning disability after the age of 18?
No, it’s a developmental issue rather than an aquired disability
What is the main cause of a learning disability?
Unknown -majority of cases have no known cause, especially with borderline/mild
What is the most common inherited cause of learning disabilities?
Fragile X Syndrome
What is Fragile X Syndrome?
A genetic disorder caused by a gene mutation. The gene normally codes for a protein, and may be involved in the development of synapses, as well as some other functions.
What is the most common genetic cause of learning disabilities?
Down’s syndrome
Worldwide, what is the most common cause of LDs?
Malnutrition and starvation in childhood
What other genetic causes are the of LDs due to chromosomal abberations, apart from Down’s syndrome and Fragile X syndrome?
Edward’s syndrome, Patau syndrome, Kleinfelter’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome.
Name another inherited cause of LDs which has autosommal dominant trait.
Tuberous sclerosis
What are some peri-natal causes of LDs?
Iatrogenic (radiation, chemo, medication), Infections (TORCH), Delivery (anoxic brain damage, prematurity), Feotal alcohol syndrome, Hyperbilirubinaemia.
What are the TORCH group infections?
Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, CMV, Herpes. Other -> syphillis, VZV,Paravirus B19
What are some post-natal causes of LDs?
Infection (encephalitis), Metabolic (hypoglycaemia), endocrine (hypothyroidism), CV (thromboembolism), toxins (lead), trauma (head injury), neoplasm (meningioma), psychosocial (low SE background).
What is the genetic name for Down’s syndrome?
Trisomy 21
What is the incidence of Down’s syndrome?
1 in 660 live births
What systems does Down’ syndrome affect?
Multiple:
- Heart defects
- Diminished muscle tone
- Facial abnormalities
- Enlarged colon
- Pelvic abnormality
And others
What are some common co-morbidities associated with Down’s syndrome?
Epilepsy Hypothyroidism Obesity Sensory Impairments C-spine abnormalities Obstructive sleep apnoea Recurrent resp tract and ear infections
