Learning Disabilities

What are Learning Disabilities ❓

 A disability that affects how someone learns and communicates

 Begins during early childhood, and is life-long 👶

 Varies in severity, from able to very profound

 Potential causes: development issues during or soon after birth, may include illness, injury and genetics 🧬

What are the Symptoms of Learning Disabilities ❓

 Lower intelligence (low IQ) 📚

 Social/life functioning issues

 Learning/understanding issues 💭

 Co-dependency on others 👪

How do you Diagnose Learning Disabilities ❓

 Medical assessment of symptoms and history 📋

 Talking to parents/carers

 Referral for specialist assessment 🏥

How do you Treat Learning Disabilities ❓

 Support from a care team for example:

 Therapy e.g. speech and language 🗣

 Mental health

 Nursing 👩‍⚕️

 Parent/carer support

 Medication may help some symptoms 💊

 Advice for the family

 Intervention for severe/challenging behaviour ❗

Why should I Worry about Learning Disabilities ❓

 There is a higher chance of having other physical and mental conditions e.g. epilepsy or dementia

 May be a reduction in quality of life and prospects 🎓