Introduction To Learning Disabilities PDF

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Introduction To Learning Disabilities:

What is a learning disability? 

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A significant or reduced ability to be able to understand new or complex information and to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) and is characterised by a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) and evidence before adulthood with a lasting effect on development. WHO stated a learning disability is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind which is characterised by impairment of skill manifested during the developmental period which contribute to an overall level of intelligence (cognitive, language, motor and social abilities) Retardation can occur with or without any other mental or physical disorder.

Intellectual Disability: This involves impairments of the general mental abilities that impact adaptive functioning in three domains or areas and it is these domains that determine how well an individual copes with an everyday task. 1) The conceptual domain includes skills in language, reading, writing, math, reasoning, knowledge and memory. 2) The social domain refers to empathy, social judgement, interpersonal communication skills, the ability to make and retain friendships and similar capacities. 3) The practical domain centres in self-management in areas such as personal care, job responsibilities, money management, recreation and organizing school and work tasks.

Terms Used To Describe A Learning Disability Past & Present:  

Then: Imbecile, idiot, mental retardation, moron, cretin, Mongol, feeble minded, spastic, moral defective, mental sub normality, mental handicap. Now: Intellectual disability, learning disability, learning difficulty & intellectual impairment.

Learning Disability Spectrum: People with a learning disability will fall into different categories to determine the level of ability they have. This spectrum uses Intelligence Quotent (IQ)    

Mild (IQ 50 – 70) Moderate (IQ 35- 50) Severe (IQ 20 – 35) Profound /multiple disabilities (IQ below 20)

What Are The Causes Of Learning disabilities? The causes of a LD can occur at two stages of development: Before birth: Lack of oxygen, micro/hydra cephaly, foetal alcohol syndrome and chromosomal disorders. After Birth Up To 16: Poor developmental delay due to unknown aetiology, slow or late onset of condition such as rett syndrome, childhood accidents leading to brain damage & viral infections.

The reason an individual may have a LD may be broken down into several headings: No Known Aetiology/ Global Delay: This is a term used when there is extensive brain damage with no identifiable cause leading to a number of developmental/ physiological problems. Genetic Factors:     

Down Syndrome: Triplication of the 21st chromosomes. Fragile X syndrome mutation and duplication of gene FMR1 situated at the end of the X chromosome. Angelman syndrome: Mutation or deletion of gene UBE3A situated on chromosome 15 Cri Du Chat syndrome: partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5 Phenylketonuria (PKU) mutation of the PAH gene located on chromosome 12

Biological & Environmental Factors:         

Cretinism: Congenital hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency – preventable Foetal alcohol syndrome – preventable Rubella syndrome – preventable Encephalitis – Treatable Meningitis – Treatable Hydrocephalus (Water on the brain) Peri – natal asphyxia Trauma Sensory & Social Deprivation: relating to lack of stimulus, however once normal stimulus occurs the child should develop with minimal delay depending on the deprivation experienced.

There Are Four Different Ways To Understand Disability: 1) Disability as defined by medicine (medical model) The medical model understands disability as a defect or sickness that requires cure through medical intervention, focuses bodily impairment, identifies the difficulties associated with having and impairment or defective organ or mechanism in the body. Disability defined by its chronic state. 2) Rehabilitation Model: This is similar to the medical model. Disability is regarded as a deficiency that requires fixing through rehabilitation. Requires input of specialist professionals. Defining disability common characteristics – All problems associated with having a disability reside with the individual and society has no underlying responsibility other than to facilitate scientific enhancement in the form of treatment or cure. 3) The moral model: Historically the oldest interpretation and much less prevalent today, in the past disability was associated with sin, is and has been associated with guilt and these kinds of associations are burdensome of the person with disabilities. Lead ultimately of social ostracism. 4) Disability model: TO RESEARCH

Prevalence: Estimated population:   

It is estimated that 30 people per 1000 will have some form of developmental delay. Predicted to increase by 11% from 2001 -2021 to over 1 million of those aged over 15. Number of adults with learning disabilities aged over 60 predicted to increase by 36% between 2001 – 2021.

Increases explained:    

Increase in life expectancy (Down syndrome) Increase in the number of children with complex needs surviving to adulthood Sharp rise in diagnosis of Autistic spectrum disorders. Greater prevalence among some minority ethnic populations of South Asian origin.

There was once a time where people who had learning disabilities we’re were removed from society and cared for in large institutions and we’re thought to be burdens to their parents and no use to society. In the present day most people with disabilities live:   

Approx. 60% live with families About 39000 people live in care homes/ formal residential arrangements 11,000 live out of area – away from their home area.

Common Health Related Issues & Statistics:               

1:3 people with LD are obese compared to 1:4 for the general population. 2.5 times more likely to have health problems than other people. 4 times more likely to die from preventable cause than people in the general population 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50 than the general population. Children and young people with LD are 6 times more likely to have mental health problems than other younger people. Epilepsy – 22% of people with LD compared to the 1% of general population have epilepsy. Dementia - 21.6% of people with a LD compared to the 5.7% of the general population have dementia and people with down syndrome are also at high risk of developing it younger. Schizophrenia – 3% of people with LD compared to the 1% of the general population. Thyroid problems – people with LD have a greater risk of having thyroid problems, especially people with down syndrome. Osteoporosis - people with a learning disability tend to have osteoporosis younger than the general population and have more fractures. Sight problems – people with LD are more likely to have sight problems. Hearing problems – people with LD are more likely to have hearing problems. Poor dental hygiene and dental care – 36.5% of adults and 80% of adults with down syndrome have unhealthy teeth and gums. Under/Overweight – people with a LD are more likely than the general population to either be under or over weight. Mental health problems – one in three people have problems with their mental health....