Learning Disability

Question 1

What are the criteria for learning disability?

Answer 1

• Intellectual impairment (IQ <70)
• Social or adaptive dysfunction (Deficits/Impairments in 2 or more of following adaptive skills: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure & work)
• Onset in the developmental period (before age 18)

Question 2

How is IQ used to grade severity of learning disability?

Answer 2

Mild learning disability-50 to 69
Moderate learning disability-35 to 49
Severe learning disability -20 to 34
Profound learning disability <20

Question 3

What is the aetiology of learning disability?

Answer 3

Genetic
Infective- ante-natal or post-natal
Toxic- FAS
Trauma- birth asphyxia, head injury
Unknown

Question 4

What physical health problems should be considered when learning disability is present?

Answer 4

Epilepsy- increased incidence and complexity with severity of LD
Sensory impairments
Obesity
GI- dysphagia, H. pylori, reflux oesophagitis, constipation
Respiratory- chest infection, aspiration pneumonia
Cerebral palsy
Orthopaedic problems
Dermatological and dental problems

Question 5

What mentalhealth problems should be considered when learning disability is present?

Answer 5

Schizophrenia/psychosis- 3X as likely in LD than general population, associated with change in personality
Mood disorders- less likely to complain of mood changes, note behavioural changes
OCD
Autism
Over-activity syndromes