Learning Disability Flashcards
What IQ defines a learning disability?
IQ under 70
What are the levels of LDs?
Mild < 70
Moderate 49-35
Severe < 35
What is the most common cause of LDs?
Down’s syndrome
What are some features of Down’s syndrome?
One palmar creases Small ears Flatter occiput Fat nasal bridge Hypotonia
Other risk factors of LDs?
Prenatal
Perinatal
Postnatal
FHx
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Maternal Age, Smoking, Spina Bifida, Fragile X, Downs syndrome
Oxygen Starvation, Cerebral Palsy, Premature, Toxoplasmosis
Meningitis, Epilepsy, Head Injury, Malnutrition, Drugs, Measles
What are the features of Fragile X syndrome?
More common in men (2x)
More likely to have autism - have communication problems
Short stature, large ears, macroorchidism, long narrow face, hyper-extendable fingers
How do you define a LD?
Presents before the age of 18
Any condition which affects their ability to function independently.
Impairment of social function and intelligence
What is Down’s syndrome?
Trisomy 21
Ways to help communication with LDs?
With a guardian
Use clear terms, no abstract language
Avoid jargon
What is Autism?
ASD are a spectrum of disorders charecterised by difficulty with understanding social interactions, difficulty communicating and restricted patterns
Also have a low IQ
Tends to present under 3
What is Aspergers?
High functioning autism
Have some problems with social cues etc but IQ is normal
How do you help communication with Autistic children?
Home visits, go to a place they feel comfortable
Quiet place
With a guardian
Avoid humour or metaphors etc
Features of autism
Sensory hyper/hypo
Problems understanding facial expression/tone
Inability to keep eye contact
restrictive behaviour and activities
What is a learning difficulty?
Anything that makes it more difficult to function but not to such an extent that it disables them
e.g. Dyslexia
Co-morbidities Down’s syndrome are more likely to have?
Hypothyroidism Dementia (early) Higher URTIs Septal Defects Hearing/Vision Problems
