Learning Disabilities

Question 1

What is Down’s syndrome
-maternal risk factors
-presentation
-

Answer 1

Trisomy 21 but not hereditary

• older mothers
• can be screened for it at the dating scan

Learning impairment
Facial features
-flat features
-upwards slanting eyes
-small ears, mouth
-wide short hand, single palmar crease

Cardiac, GI, thyroid, caratacts, hearing problems, AD

Question 2

Classification of mental retardation

• mild
• moderate
• severe
• profound

Answer 2

Mild - IQ 50-69
-can work, maintain social relationships
Moderate - IQ 35-49
-some independence, support needed
Severe - IQ 20-34
-continuous support needed
Profound - IQ U20
-severe limitation in self care, continence, mobility

Question 3

Physical reasons for changes in behaviour changes

Answer 3

Infection
Pain
Cognitive decline/dementia
Impaired mobility - from undiagnosed pain, injury
Progression of undiagnosed chronic illness

Question 4

Psychological reasons for behvaioural changes

Answer 4

Depressive illness
Schizophrenic/psychosis
Anxiety
Acute stress

Question 5

Environmental reasons for behavioural changes

Answer 5

Change in

• accommodation
• daily routine
• staff/carers
• family context
• relationships, friendships
• alcohol, drug use

Question 6

Management of behavioral and functional changes

Answer 6

Explore all possible causes
-physical
-psychological
-environmental
Identify stressors and address them

Question 7

Possible causes of mental retardation

Answer 7

Unknown

Genetic

• Klinefelter
• Prader Willi
• William
• Di George

Envrionmental/development

• iodine deficienty => hypothyroidism
• malnutrition
• infection
• toxin exposure