Learning Disability

Question 1

what is the definition of a learning disability

Answer 1

IQ < 70

must not have been due to something that happened as an adult (i.e. not due to brain injury, dementia)

onset before the age of 18

Question 2

what is the classification of a learning disability

Answer 2

Mild = IQ 50-69
Moderate = IQ 35-49
Severe = IQ 20-34
Profound = IQ < 20

Question 3

what are genetic causes for a LD (chromosome abnormality)

Answer 3

Down’s Syndrome; Trisomy 21
Klinefelter’s Syndrome; XXY
Tuner’s Syndrome; X

Question 4

what are single gene disorders that can cause LD

Answer 4

AD; Neurofibromatosis, myotonic dystrophy, tuberose sclerosis

AR; phenylketonuria

Question 5

what is the triad of Sx in Autism

Answer 5

abnormal social interaction
communication impairment
rigid/restricted or repetitive behaviour, interests and activities

Question 6

what is the IQ often in Autism

Answer 6

70% have an IQ < 70

Question 7

why is mental health disorder more common in learning disability

Answer 7

Organic vulnerability – ‘brain damage’

Social deprivation/disadvantage

Life events

Psychological reasons – learned helplessness

Question 8

what mental health disorder is 3 times more common in someone with a learning disability

Answer 8

schizophrenia

• age of onset earlier (av 23)
• negative Sx more common

depression