What is the difference between a learning disability and intellectual disability?
A learning disability is a specific area of deficiency, not a deficiency of global intelligence as is seen with intellectual disability
What is the mot common type of learning disability?
Dyslexia
What are the top 4 learning disabilities, in order of occurrence?
1. Dyslexia 2. Dysgraphia 3. Dyscalculia 4. Auditory Memory and Processing Disabilities
What gender is more likely to manifest with a learning disability?
Boys are 2-3 times more likely
What is the most likely cause of learning disability?
Problems with integrating information from multiple brain regions or subtle differences in brain structure and function
Risk factors for a learning disability?
Genetic factors Male gender Developmental delays Medical factors (Premature, cyanotic heart disease, etc.

) Environmental factors (lead toxicity, infections, hx of brain injury) Sociocultural factors

What are some genetic factors that can contribute to having a learning disability?
Positive family history Chromosomal abnormalities on chromosomes 15 and 6 Specific genetic disorders (Klinefelter or Turner Syndrome; spina bifida)
If a child is struggling in school, what are some medical causes you need to rule out?
Neuro manifestations Hearing/Vision problems Lead Poisoning Anemia (IDA)
When should a child's school performance be evaluated?
Screened during each well-child visit
What does an educational diagnostician do?
Tests children to see if they need special educational support services
What are some accommodations that can be made for a child with a learning disability?
Decrease distractions Special educators (1 on 1 time) Sit in front of the room
What is the prognosis of a child with a learning disability?
They will always have the disability, just need to find ways to overcome and learn despite it
What two components must be present to make a diagnosis of intellectual disability?
Significant impairment in intelligence as measure by IQ tests (<70) Inability to adapt to expectations of environment
What are two major causes of intellectual disability?
Organic causes (genetics or brain damage) Social-cultural causes (Normal variation of intelligence with below-average environment)
How is intellectual disability with an IQ >50 classified?
Mild
What is the most likely cause of mild intellectual disability?
Sociocultural factors (Lack of stimulating environment or economic factors)
The specific cause of mild intellectual disability is not found in what % of cases?
30-50%
What are common organic causes of mild intellectual disability?
Genetic syndromes Fetal deprivation prematurity Perinatal insults Intrauterine exposure to drugs Sex chromosomal abnormalities
What is the most common genetic cause of severe intellectual disability?
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
What is the most common inherited cause of severe intellectual disability?
Fragile X Syndrome
What is the most common preventable cause of severe intellectual disability?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Severe intellectual disability is classified with an IQ of what?
20-34
Moderate intellectual disability is classified with an IQ of what?
35-49
Profound intellectual disability is classified with an IQ of what?
<20
What are dysmorphisms?
The common facial features of different forms of intellectual disability based on the genetic syndrome
Patients with Down Syndrome are at higher risk for what when being dealt with in emergent settings?
Neck instability, you always have to be careful with these patients and should liberally consider neck x-rays
Pathophysiology of Down Syndrome?
Trisomy 21 Chromosomal Abnormality
Pathophysiology of Fragile X Syndrome?
Inactivation of FMR-1 gene
Pathophysiology of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Maternal Alcohol consumption
What are common comorbidities of intellectual disability syndrome?
Mental and Neurodevelopmental disorders Cerebral Palsy Seizure disorder (epilepsy)
What are some neuroimaging studies you can order when ruling out intellectual disability?
MRI or CT scan
What is dyslexia?
Difficulty reading, where the brain either reverses, inverts, or missequences information.
What must be ruled out in patients with suspected dyslexia?
A vision problem
There is a form of dyslexia where the mind "sees" a word, but is slow to connect its meaning. In what age groups is these form seen in?
Teenagers
What is dysgraphia?
Difficulty writing
What are some causes of dysgraphia?
Dyslexia Poor motor coordination Problems understanding space
What is dyscalculia?
Difficulty performing mathematical calculations (even basic ones, which separates this among teenagers)
What is auditory memory and processing disability?
Difficulty understanding and remembering words or sounds; there is a disconnect between hearing the sound (talking) and memorizing it/deciphering the context.