Learning disability, autism etc

Question 1

Define learning disability 1

intellectual disability

Answer 1

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

Affects the way someone learns things in every area of their life
IQ typically lower than 70

Question 2

Criteria for learning disability

Answer 2

• Lower intellectual ability (usually an IQ of less than 70).
• Significant impairment of social or adaptive functioning.
• Onset in childhood.

Question 3

Whats the difference between a general and specific learning disability?

Answer 3

General: Difficulty learning everything - intellectual deficit.
Specific: deficit in just one area (ie writing, understanding), like dyslexia, intellect is normal

Question 4

Learning disability and IQ - what’s the cut off for having a mild learning disability?

Answer 4

50-70 - mild (80% are mild)
35-49 - moderate
20-34 - severe
<20 - profound

Question 5

Name some causes of a learning disability

Answer 5

Downs syndrome
Fragile X
autism spectrum conditions
Cerebral palsy

Question 6

Challenging behaviour is frequently present with a learning disability. What is challenging behaviour?

Answer 6

aggression, self-injury, stereotypical behaviour, withdrawal and disruptive or destructive behaviour

Question 7

define: Learning difficulty

Answer 7

Specific Learning Difficulties (or SpLDs), affect the way information is learned and processed. They are neurological (rather than psychological), usually run in families and occur independently of intelligence. They can have significant impact on education and learning and on the acquisition of literacy skills.

Question 8

Name some specific learning difficulties

Answer 8

• Dyslexia.
• Dyspraxia / DCD.
• Dyscalculia.
• A.D.D / A.D.H.D.

Question 9

Dyslexia - overview

a specific learning difficulty

Answer 9

dyslexia may mix up letters within words and words within sentences while reading.
They may also have difficulty with spelling words

Dyslexia affects the way information is processed, stored and retrieved, with problems of memory, speed of processing, time perception, organisation and sequencing. Some may also have difficulty navigating a route, left and right and compass directions.

Question 10

Dyspraxia

a specific learning difficulty

Answer 10

AKA: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
deficit in the ability to co-ordinate and perform skilled, purposeful movements and gestures with normal accuracy
clumsy, falls over a lot etc

Question 11

ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Triad of symptoms

Answer 11

Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

Causing functional impairment (at school, work etc)
Happens in at least two settings - ie at school and at home

Question 12

ADHD management

Answer 12

good diet/exercise
moderate - psychological therapies
severe - •Methylphenidate
atomoxetine - if severe (tics etc) or if methylphenidate didn’t work

Question 13

Fragile X syndrome - what is it

Answer 13

CGG over repeated on the X chromosome causing it to be denser and the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene is unavailable for transcription.
This means that fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is NOT produced and the syndrome is seen

Question 14

Fragile X syndrome - features

Answer 14

• IQ below 70
• Delayed developmental milestones
• Physical features - high fore head, large testicles, asymmetrical face, large jaw, long ears
• Connective tissue abnormalities - soft skin, hyperextensible fingers
• Anxieties - OCD, aggressive, shy, autism, repetitive actions

Question 15

Autism spectrum conditions

- definition

Answer 15

•The presence of abnormal or impaired development that is manifest before the age of 3 years; and

•The characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all the three areas of psychopathology:
1 reciprocal social interaction
2 communication
3 restricted, stereotyped, repetitive behaviour.

Question 16

Autism spectrum conditions

- management

Answer 16

Check there's not a hearing deficit 
•Early intensive behavioural intervention
Social therapies (music etc)

Question 17

Asperger’s syndrome - how does it differ from autism spectrum conditions

Answer 17

no delayed or retarded cognition and language

Those with AS are also more likely to seek social interaction and share activities and friendships

‘High functioning autism’

Question 18

Down’s syndrome - overview

Answer 18

Trisomy 21 - (88% extra chromosome from mother)
Maternal age = biggest risk factor

Distinctive facial features (flattened nose)
hypotonia 
mild/moderate intellectual impairment 
1/2 have congenital heart disease 
visual/hearing problems

Question 19

Cerebral palsy

Answer 19

Caused by damage to the immature brain - usually before birth. can be vascular, infection etc etc
Non progressing, unchanging
Can cause spasticity, athetoid (stormy movements), ataxia
delayed developmental milestones
unusual fidgeting, hypotonia, can be in any/all limbs
learning disability