3 - Learning Disabilities

Question 1

Definition of learning disability

Answer 1

A heterogenous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities

Question 2

Learning disability

-concomitance with handicapping condns

Answer 2

Though a LD may occur concomitantly, it is not the direct result of those condns or influences

Question 3

Learning disability

-prevalence

Answer 3

Ambiguous definition

~5% of school-aged children in USA are dx

Varies based on definition, age, population

Question 4

Learning disability

-etiology (5)

Answer 4

Genetics
Nutrition
Low birth weight
Psychological status
Maturation of nervous system

Question 5

Learning disability

-adaptive behaviors (3)

Answer 5

Withdrawal
Clowning
Regression

Question 6

Reading dysfunction

-basics

Answer 6

Defined as a ”failure to read”

Most common and specific LD

OD intervention has a maximum impact when the reading problem is related to speed, comprehension, fatigue, and loss of place

Question 7

Reading dysfunction

• intelligence
• education
• development
• brain
• emotions

Answer 7

Avg or above avg intelligence

Adequate education opportunities

Normal sensory development (auditory, visual)

No frank brain damage

No emotional disturbance

Question 8

Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—definition/description
—importance of dx
—prognosis

Answer 8

Specific type of reading dysfunction

Deficit in ability to interpret the symbols of written language

Important to differentiate from other non-specific/generalized reading dysfunctions (less severe)

Poor prognosis - exhibit alterations in brain function

Question 9

Reading dysfunction
-letter recognition
—Gibson’s 2 stages
—reversals

Answer 9

1 - learns to look for the individual parts of letters -> enable to ID/name

2 - requires attention to directional orientation

Reversals should be 0 by 8yo/3rd grade

Question 10

Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—3 types and descriptions

Answer 10

Dyseidesia - genetic, poor sight-word recognition, relies on time-consuming word-attack skills to decode many words
(“dySEEdesia”)

Dysphonesia - impaired phonetic ability, relies on sight-word vocabulary

Dysnemkinesia - reversals in writing/printing

Question 11

Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—screener

Answer 11

Rapid screening tool for all 3 types

Requires ~5min

Less comprehensive than Jordan L/R reversal test

Question 12

Reading dysfunction
-dyslexia
—eye movements

Answer 12

Incr number of fixations, regressions (seen on Visigraph)

Longer duration of fixations

Inefficient eye movements

Question 13

Attention deficit disorder

• prevalence
• estimations from 2011-2016

Answer 13

~5% of school-aged children

Slight decrease

Question 14

Attention deficit disorder

-characteristics (3)

Answer 14

Inattention

Impulsivity

Hyperacitivity

Question 15

Attention deficit disorder

-ADHD and ADD symptoms can appear as early as

Answer 15

3-6 years and can continue thru adolescence and adulthood

Question 16

Attention deficit disorder

-concomitant condns

Answer 16

Very common

E.g. behavior problems, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum

Question 17

Attention deficit disorder
-diagnosis
—ADHD dx (16 or younger)
—ADD dx (16 or younger)

Answer 17

6+ hyperactive/impulse symtoms for at least 6 mo

6+ symptoms of inattention for at least 6 mo, but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity

Question 18

Attention deficit disorder
-treatments
—stimulants
—non-stimulants

Answer 18

Most common type of med used for ADHD
Incr dopamine and norepi - play essential roles in thinking and attention

Take longer to start working
Used when pt has bothersome SE to stimulants, when it was ineffective, or in combo with a stimulant

Question 19

Attention deficit disorder
-pharmacology review
—3 drugs
—SE of one

Answer 19

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Amphetamine (Adderall)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)

Dextro SE: adrenergic agonist

• mydriasis
• dry eyes
• acute angle closure (if narrow angles)