Learning Disability Flashcards
Learning disability - definition
IQ of less than 70 before the age of 18 (after this age, the brain is mature and injuries affect it differently)
Impairment of social and adaptive functioning
Three factors of learning disability
Reduction in the ability to understand new/complicated information or to learn a new skill
Reduced ability to be independent
Starts <18 years with lasting effects on development
Learning disability - psychometrics
Mild (IQ between 50-69) - 75%
Moderate (35-49) - 20%
Severe (20-34) - 3-4%
Profound (<20) - 1-2%
Learning disability - causes
Genetic - e.g. Down’s syndrome
Infective
- antenatal e.g. rubella
- postnatal e.g. meningitis, encephalitis
Trauma - e.g. birth asphyxia, head trauma
Adaptive functioning - meaning
Measure of how a patient copes with activities of living e.g. communication
Learning disability - associated mental health conditions
Schizophrenia
Depression
Earlier onset of organic disorders e.g. dementia
ADHD
Learning disability - associated physical conditions
GORD Epilepsy (20-50%) - depending on severity of learning disability Constipation Hearing and vision impairment Health inequalities are more likely
Learning disability - associated health inequalities
Social exclusion Socioeconomic deprivation Inaccessible services Discrimination Communication challenges
Learning disability - communication challenges
May be impaired by level of development, speech problems, sensory impairment or autism
Learning disability - how best to communicate during a consultation
Find out how the best communicate
Use simple terms and short sentences
Allow extra time
Learning disability - epidemiology
More men than women (3:2)
Most live with parents - at home
Learning disability - management
Behavioural therapy can be useful if patient has maladaptive behaviours
