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Page Number - Criteria -
2-5 P1/P2 - Leaflet
6 - 14 P5 - - Explain the role of different
practitioners in supporting individuals with
learning disabilities..
15 - 20 M2 - Impact of Person-centered approach
on the quality of life for Emalee and Josie
who have learning disabilities.
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P1/P2
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability impairs an individual's capacity to comprehend and retain information,
as well as their ability to communicate.
These issues vary according to the individual but include communication, money
management, reading, writing, personal care, and coping alone.
(Disabilities of learning, 2020)
There are numerous varieties of learning difficulties, including Down syndrome, Williams
syndrome, Rhett's syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Individuals with any of these forms of
learning difficulties struggle with basic living skills.
The factors that contribute to learning difficulties
There are numerous reasons why individuals are born with cognitive problems; it might be
due to hereditary factors; specific genes were acquired from parents and impacted brain
development. Another genetic possibility is that the chromosomes are abnormal.
During prenatal development, the newborn may experience an oxygen deficiency, depriving
the tissues and cells in the baby's body, notably the brain, of oxygen. These tissues and cells
eventually die, resulting in brain damage.
Another factor for learning difficulties is the mother's situation; for example, the mother
may be abusing drugs or alcohol, which can result in birth abnormalities such as learning
disabilities. If the mother is unwell, such as with a virus, this can also result in birth
abnormalities.
Postnatal and childhood environments such as poor housing, diet, and child abuse will result
in the mother receiving less parental care, eating less than they should, and sleeping less
than they should, which can result in birth abnormalities such as learning disabilities.
(Disabilities of learning, 2020)
Dyslexia
What is the definition of down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a condition in which a newborn is born with an extra copy of
chromosome 21, resulting in long-term repercussions such as learning disabilities and
inability to acquire necessary life skills. Individuals with down syndrome frequently struggle
to retain new information. (CDC, 2020, Facts on Down Syndrome)
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Cause
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra 21
chromosomes in the cells of the body.
This additional genetic material is responsible for the developmental abnormalities and
physical characteristics associated with down syndrome. Down syndrome is not a medical
condition.
The majority of cases of down syndrome are not inherited; rather, the chromosome defect
develops during the development of reproductive cells in the parent.
It is most frequently found in the egg cell but can also occur in the sperm cell.
Symptoms and consequences
(CDC, 2020, Facts on Down Syndrome)
The majority of persons with down syndrome will have physical characteristics such as a
short neck, a flattened face, and a tongue that protrude out of their mouth. This may cause
them to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about their appearance, causing them to
withdraw.
Other physical/medical problems such as heart abnormalities, hypotonia, hearing loss, and
vision loss can make an individual anxious and tense, necessitating regular exams and
appointments. Hypotonia would require physiotherapy, which is expensive and takes a long
time to book on the NHS waiting list.
Intellectually, the majority of persons with down syndrome will be delayed in learning; even
simple tasks such as walking, talking, and eating will be difficult for them, which will impair
their self-esteem and confidence in themselves.
Williams Illness
How is Williams syndrome defined?
William syndrome is a developmental condition that affects numerous body systems. It is
characterized by mild to severe intellectual and physical disabilities, including an inability to
master basic living skills. (Conditions applicable in 2020)
Williams syndrome is caused by the defection of genetic material from a specific area of
chromosome 7. Individuals with Williams syndrome have lost a portion of chromosome 7,
resulting in phenotypic and facial abnormalities.
(Conditions applicable in 2020)
