Week One - Intellectual Disability

Question 1

what are the three sections that must be considered when diagnosing an intellectual disability with the DSM V

Answer 1

1. Deficits in intellectual functioning e.g. reasoning, planning, problem solving. Measured by IQ tests of 70 or below
2. Deficitis or impairments in adaptive functioning e.g. social skills
3. Limitations occur during developmental period

Question 2

list the severity categories of intellectual disability with the corresponding IQ

Answer 2

• Borderline Functioning IQ>70
• Mild: 50-70
• Moderate: 35-50
• Severe: <35

Question 3

list the potential causes of intellectual disability

Answer 3

• genetics
• perinatal factors (e.g. maternal infections)
• Postnatal factors e.g. psychosocial factors such as non accidental injury

Question 4

what is the average life expectancy of an individual with an intellectual disability

Answer 4

10-20 < than general population

Question 5

what is one of the main co-morbidities associated with intellectual disabilities

Answer 5

epilepsy

Question 6

what are the main causes of death for an individual with an intellectual disability

Answer 6

• respiratory and congenital dysfunctions

Question 7

why do individuals with an intellectual disability have greater levels of morbidity

Answer 7

• poor access to medical care
• socioeconomic hardship
• increase in medication use which can increase side effects

Question 8

what does positive behaviour support involve

Answer 8

• functional behaviour analysis
• teaching strategies
• altering contingent reinforcement to reinforce positive

Question 9

list strategies to support communication

Answer 9

• chunking
• slow
• visual cues
• ample time to process

Question 10

OT role when working with individuals with intellectual disability

Answer 10

• assessment of skills
• enable meaningful access to activity
• advocacy
• health promotion
• enable independence with living skills
• enablement in social inclusion n