Learning Disability Flashcards
What is the reduction in life expectancy in those with LDs?
18 year reduction in females
14 year reduction in males
What is the definition of a learning disability?
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
Criteria for diagnosis of a learning disability?
IQ <70
Developmental aetiology; <18
Deficits in adaptive function
What psychometric assessments are used for the diagnosis of LDs?
Most commonly WAIS
WISC in children
WPPSI in preschool children
Average IQ of UK?
100
What percentage of the population have an IQ below 70?
3%
Racial differences in IQ
Average IQ of asians higher than europeans
Average IQ in sub sarharan africa is 67-82
Ashkenazi jews average; 113
What is a learning difficulty NOT?
Dyslexia or any other educational difficulty
Not something that happends to an adult e.g. acquired brain injury, dementia
Cognitive decline due to chronic psychosis
Severe LD
IQ 20-34
Profound LD
IQ <20
Borderline LD
IQ 70+
Moderate LD
IQ 35-49
Mild LD
IQ 50-69
What is the most common LD?
Mild; Iq range 50-69 Delayed speech Full independence Difficulties in reading and writing Capable of unskilled or semi-skilled work Rarely organic aetiology
What can lead to a learning disability?
Genetic Chromosomal Antenatal Birth Postnatal Infancy/childhood
What chromosomal abnormalities can lead to LDs?
Downs syndrome (trisomy 21)
Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
Cri Du Chat (5P); microcephaly/ profound LD
Angelman (15Q); LD, ataxia, paroxysms of laughter
Prader-Willi (15Q); LD, over eating, self injurious behaviour
Velocardiofacial syndrome (22Q); LD, schizophrenia
Williams syndrome (7Q)
What is the difference between angelman syndrome and prader willi syndrome?
Angelman; maternal
Prader Willi; paternal
Which sex chromosome abnormalities can lead to LDs?
Turners (45 XO)
Trisomy X 47 XXX
Kilenfelters (XXY)
Fragile X syndrome (faulty FMR1 gene)
Genetic causes of LD?
PKU Mucopolysacchridoses Neurolipidoses Tuberous Sclerosis Congenital Hypothyroisism Lesch Nyhan Syndrome
Prenatal factors resulting in LDs?
Maternal infection; rubella, CMV, toxoplasmosis Exposure to meds or drugs FAS Poor diet Substance abuse
What perinatal factors can result in LDs?
Neonatal septicaemia Pneumonia Meningitis/ encephalitis Birth injury Resp distress Hyperbilirubinemia Hypoglycemia Extreme prematurity
What postnatal factors can result in LDs?
CNS infection Vascular accidents Tumours Hypoxic brain injury Head injury NAI Exposure to toxic agents Psychosocial environment Congenital hypothyroidism CP Epilepsy ASD
Associated features alongside a learning disability
Mental illness Epilepsy Discrimination Substance misuse Physical disability Sensory problems Mobility problems ASD Sexual abuse Family dysfunction Different appearance Poor employment Low expectation of success Stigma
Why are those with learning disabilities more likely to develop a mental illness?
Organic vulnerability
Social deprivation
Life events
Psychological reasons
For what conditions are antipsychotics used in LDs?
Psychosis
Behavioural disturbance
ASD
ADHA
For what conditions are ADs used in LDs?
Depression
Anxiety
Self injury
ASD
For what conditions are anticonvulsants used in LD?
BAD
Episodic dyscontrol
How will schizophrenia present in severe learning disabilities?
Unexplained aggression Bizarre behaviour Social withdrawal Mood lability Increased mannerisms Stereotypies NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS
Triad of ASD
Abnormal social interaction
Communication impairment
Rigid/restrictive or repetitive behaviour
