Learning Disability

Question 1

What is the reduction in life expectancy in those with LDs?

Answer 1

18 year reduction in females

14 year reduction in males

Question 2

What is the definition of a learning disability?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Criteria for diagnosis of a learning disability?

Answer 3

IQ <70
Developmental aetiology; <18
Deficits in adaptive function

Question 4

What psychometric assessments are used for the diagnosis of LDs?

Answer 4

Most commonly WAIS
WISC in children
WPPSI in preschool children

Question 5

Average IQ of UK?

Answer 5

100

Question 6

What percentage of the population have an IQ below 70?

Answer 6

3%

Question 7

Racial differences in IQ

Answer 7

Average IQ of asians higher than europeans
Average IQ in sub sarharan africa is 67-82
Ashkenazi jews average; 113

Question 8

What is a learning difficulty NOT?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Severe LD

Answer 9

IQ 20-34

Question 10

Profound LD

Answer 10

IQ <20

Question 11

Borderline LD

Answer 11

IQ 70+

Question 12

Moderate LD

Answer 12

IQ 35-49

Question 13

Mild LD

Answer 13

IQ 50-69

Question 14

What is the most common LD?

Answer 14

Mild; 
Iq range 50-69 
Delayed speech 
Full independence
Difficulties in reading and writing 
Capable of unskilled or semi-skilled work 
Rarely organic aetiology

Question 15

What can lead to a learning disability?

Answer 15

Genetic
Chromosomal 
Antenatal
Birth 
Postnatal 
Infancy/childhood

Question 16

What chromosomal abnormalities can lead to LDs?

Answer 16

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)

Question 17

What is the difference between angelman syndrome and prader willi syndrome?

Answer 17

Angelman; maternal

Prader Willi; paternal

Question 18

Which sex chromosome abnormalities can lead to LDs?

Answer 18

Turners (45 XO)
Trisomy X 47 XXX
Kilenfelters (XXY)
Fragile X syndrome (faulty FMR1 gene)

Question 19

Genetic causes of LD?

Answer 19

PKU 
Mucopolysacchridoses
Neurolipidoses 
Tuberous Sclerosis
Congenital Hypothyroisism 
Lesch Nyhan Syndrome

Question 20

Prenatal factors resulting in LDs?

Answer 20

Maternal infection; rubella, CMV, toxoplasmosis
Exposure to meds or drugs
FAS 
Poor diet
Substance abuse

Question 21

What perinatal factors can result in LDs?

Answer 21

Neonatal septicaemia
Pneumonia
Meningitis/ encephalitis 
Birth injury 
Resp distress
Hyperbilirubinemia
Hypoglycemia
Extreme prematurity

Question 22

What postnatal factors can result in LDs?

Answer 22

CNS infection 
Vascular accidents
Tumours
Hypoxic brain injury 
Head injury 
NAI 
Exposure to toxic agents
Psychosocial environment 
Congenital hypothyroidism 
CP 
Epilepsy 
ASD

Question 23

Associated features alongside a learning disability

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Why are those with learning disabilities more likely to develop a mental illness?

Answer 24

Organic vulnerability
Social deprivation
Life events
Psychological reasons

Question 25

For what conditions are antipsychotics used in LDs?

Answer 25

Psychosis
Behavioural disturbance
ASD
ADHA

Question 26

For what conditions are ADs used in LDs?

Answer 26

Depression
Anxiety
Self injury
ASD

Question 27

For what conditions are anticonvulsants used in LD?

Answer 27

BAD

Episodic dyscontrol

Question 28

How will schizophrenia present in severe learning disabilities?

Answer 28

Unexplained aggression 
Bizarre behaviour 
Social withdrawal
Mood lability 
Increased mannerisms 
Stereotypies 
NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS

Question 29

Triad of ASD

Answer 29

Abnormal social interaction
Communication impairment
Rigid/restrictive or repetitive behaviour