Module 2- Cognitive Disabilites Flashcards
What is a learning disability
Conditions which affect an individuals ability to learn.
What is developmental cognitive disabilities?
Life long mental impairment generally showing up by the time the individual is 18
What is brain injury
Resulting trauma to the skull/brain resulting in physical injury to the structures
Developmental cognitive disabilities frequently interfere with?
With affected persons ability to learn and communicate
When are you considered to have a developmental disability?
When daily function are affected by at least 3 of the following: Self care Self direction Language Expressive language Mobility Economic self- sufficiency Capacity for independent living
4 types of developmental disabilities
Autism
Fragile X
Down syndrome
FASD
What is autism characterized by
Impairment of the brain function
What does it fall under?(autism)
A broader category called Autism spectrum disorder
What is the cause(autism)
The cause is unknown, thought to be a combo of genetics, environmental and neurological factors
When do symptoms manifest?(autism)
In the first three years
Can autism be cured?
No
What will a typical individual with autism struggle with?
Communication and social interactions
What is type of disorder is autism consider
Neurological disorder
What does neurological mean?
Structure and function of the brain
What is Down syndrome
It is a chromosomal disorder leading to cognitive and physical malformations
What are chromosomes
Pair of strands of DNA found in human cells
How many chromosomes does a “normal” person have? How many for someone with Down syndrome?
23 chromosomes, Down syndrome presents abnormality in pair 21(significant impact on development of affected fetus)
When is Down syndrome presented? Can it be reversed?
In utero(inside womb). This can not be reversed
What causes Down syndrome
No behavioural and environmental cause has been determined. Caused by an error in division of cells. Sometimes an older mother is at a greater risk
What percentage of individuals with downs have heart defects?
50%
What can Down syndrome lead to?
Abnormalities of immune system and many people are more susceptive to illness relative to general population.
Best way to deal with individuals with Down syndrome
Use plain language, approach in friendly way and apply calm mannerisms.
What is FASD
Range of disorders associated with consumption of alcohol during pregnancy
What can FASD cause
Physical changes and function of the brain
What does FASD include.
Fetal alcohol syndrome Fetal alcohol effects Partial fetal alcohol syndrome Alcohol related neurodevelopment disorder Static encephalopathy Alcohol related birth defects
Can you outgrown physical characteristics? (FASD)
Yes
Can the brain damage get better? (FASD)
No it does not diminish over time
What conditions are often present with FAS
Attention deficit
Hyperactivity disorder
Hypersensitivity to sensory information in environment
What is the best practice for police involved with individuals with FASD
Not ask leading questions Ask questions in plain language Do not use idioms or sarcasm Repeat question to ensure understanding Never ask why
What type of condition is fragile X
Genetic condition, most common cause of inherited cognitive disability
What are some qualities that people with fragile x have
Loving nature Honest Willing to please Shy Negative response to touch
Best police interaction with fragile x
Remain calm
Gentle with them
Plain language
Avoid excessive touching
How is learning disabilities explained
Neurological (physical possess of the brain) condition, affects individuals ability to learn
Does learning disabilities affect the individuals intelligence
NO
2 most common learning disabilities
ADHD
dyslexia
What is ADHD
Neurobehavioral (nervous system and behaviour jointly effected) disorder which shows itself lack of attention combined with impulsive/ “hyper” (exaggerated/excited) behaviour
What causes ADHD
Not really known but some research shows it may run in the family
What do scans if a ADHD BRAIN show?
Differences in brain structure and activity
How can ADHD BE TREATED
Meds
Behavioural therapy
What do you need to be considered to have ADHD
Level of in attention and hyperactivity must occur more frequently/more intensity
What is ADHD recognized primarily by
Cognitive features
Best practices to dealing with ADHD
Communicate clearly about what you want them to do
Communication simply and precise
Always use plain language
What is dyslexia
Refers to a learning disability characterized by difficulties with alphabet, reading and writing
Does dyslexia impact intelligence?
No!
What causes dyslexia
Is the result of brain failing to properly translate visual information into accurate or appropriate language
What causes DYSLEXIA
Believed to be caused by malfunction in part of the brain which deals with language. May be genetically linked, can run in family
What areas can be impacted?
Listening,speech,language,reading,spelling and writing abilities
How can dyslexia manifest itself
Stuttering, slow, confused and/or hesitant speech and language and painful, laboured writing
Best practice when dealing with Dyslexia
Listen carefully to what client is saying and ask for clarification
Provide options with respect to requesting written statements from these individuals
What is a brain injury
Cognitive disability that occurs after birth is usually as a result of a brain injury
What can result in a brain injury
Disease, infection,lack of oxygen,trauma to the head
What happens with a brain injury
Anatomy of the brain is physically impacted. Most common form of concussion a
What does a concussion interfere with?
Regular process of the brain
Is a concussion a temporary or permanent condition
Temporary (generally)
What brain functions can be affected
Balance Coordination Judgement Memory Reflexes Speech
How are concussions caused
Brain being bounced around inside the skull due to a blow or sudden jarring of the head
What can a concussion cause? What does that result in
Tearing of the nerve fibres or broken blood vessels. Resulting in bleeding which leads to increased pressure in the brain
What are the symptoms of a concussion
Amnesia(loss of memory)
Confusion
What is a sub-category of concussion? When does this occur? Result?
Shaken baby syndrome.
Occurs when baby is shaken usually in attempt to stop the crying.
Resulting in Brian trauma that is permanent in 1/3 of cases
What are the best practices with concussions
Stay calm
Ensure medical attention is sought
Reassure injured person (May repeat themselves verbally and/or physically)
What percentage of an officers job is human relations
80%
