Week 4: Learning Disability Vs Learning Difficulty

Question 1

Learning Disability

Answer 1

A significantly reduced ability to understand new/complex information, learn new skills, and cope independently, starting before adulthood.

Question 2

Learning Difficulty

Answer 2

Difficulty with specific learning tasks, but no general intellectual impairment

Question 3

Common Comorbidities (Often Found Alongside LD)

Answer 3

• Down Syndrome: Often with heart problems, hearing issues
• Autism: May co-occur with epilepsy, dyspraxia
• Cerebral Palsy: May include learning and physical disability, or just physical
• Asperger’s: High IQ, but may have mental health challenges

Question 4

Health risks for people with LD:

Answer 4

• Constipation
• Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
• Diabetes, CVD
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Obesity, inactivity
• Poor access to screening

Question 5

LeDeR Report (2022)

Answer 5

• Focuses on premature deaths of people with LD
• Highlights gaps in healthcare access, reasonable adjustments, and annual health checks
• Urges better training for staff and improved communication
• Promotes personalised care and timely referrals

Question 6

STOMP

Answer 6

Stop the Over-Medication of People with Learning Disabilities and Autism

Question 7

STAMP

Answer 7

Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics

Question 8

Why are they used in the United Kingdom

Answer 8

• Increase awareness and stop inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications.
• Promote the correct use of psychotropic medications in paediatrics.