Week 8 - Intellectual Impairment Flashcards
What is an intellectual disability?
A term used to describe a reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills.
How does the DSM 5 classify intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability involves impairments of general mental abilities that impact adaptive functioning in 3 domains:
Conceptual domain
Social Domain
Practical domain
What is the conceptual domain in the DSM 5?
Skills in: language reading writing math reasoning knowledge memory
What is the social domain in the DSM 5?
Empathy
social judgement
interpersonal communication skills
ability to make and retain friends
What is the practical domain?
Self management of personal care job responsibilities money management recreation organising school and work tasks
How is intellectual disability diagnosed?
An individual’s symptoms must begin during the developmental period and diagnosis is based on the severity of deficits in adaptive functioning
What comorbidities are present with intellectual disability?
Other mental conditions such as depression, ADHS and ASD
How is intellectual disability defined?
There is a significant impairment in intellectual functioning
Difficulties in adaptive behaviour
Manifestation in the developmental period (before 18 year)
What causes intellectual disability?
A cause is not always able to be identified
May be pre-natal, perinatal, postnatal
What are genetic causes of intellectual disability?
Down syndrome Fragile X syndrome Tuberous Sclerosis Prader-Willi Syndrome Angelman's syndrome Rett Syndrome Williams syndrome
What are environmental causes of intellectual disability?
Problems during pregnancy - infections, substance abuse Problems during birth Childhood health problems Conditions later in life (dementia) Specific illness or accident
What are early signs and symptoms of intellectual disability?
Delayed sitting, crawling or walking
Delayed speech and/or ongoing difficulties with speech
Poor attention to activities
Limited planning or problem solving abilities
Difficulties understanding rules and instructions
Behavioural and/or social difficulties
Difficulties with self care tasks
What are core activities?
Self-care Mobility Emotional Tasks Communication Reading and writing Cognitive tasks
On average, people with intellectual disability need assistance with how many core tasks?
4 or more
How is a child diagnosed with intellectual disability?
- Parent or caregiver notices developmental red flags
- GP provides referral to paediatrician
- Therapists complete assessments and plan supports
- Paediatrician consultation
