Outline of Learning Disabilities
1. Summarise how learning disabilities can affect social and emotional development of children and young people 8 Marks
Learning disabilities affects are varied, and what affects one person will not affect others with learning disabilities. Their issues are very specific to them. Learning disability doesn’t just affect the
academic success; it also affects other areas such as social and emotional development.
Emotional intelligence development issues result in inappropriate responses, lack of empathy or
ability to recognise others feelings. They may not know what to do or react in situations that comply with social norms. Their awareness of non-verbal cues may be limited, including understanding
expressions, which may result in them not understanding what the other person means and produce frustration and anger. They may not be able to respond to feedback appropriately, and disclose
information at inappropriate times or to the wrong people. If disclosing information to the wrong people this may result in exploitation, bullying or abuse. Many find it difficult to ‘recover’ from their
early difficult experiences and result in issues later in life such as depression and anxiety. Emotional issues may also exacerbate learning disabilities.
Social wellbeing competence issues can result in difficulties in developing the skills needed for social
interaction with others and identification of social cues. It can reduce the ability to communicate effectively and make and maintain friendships. It can also influence decision making which may not
be appropriate the situation. Some of the skills needed to interact successfully can be taught to some people with disabilities, while for others this can never be learnt and result in further problems. Lack
of social competence may lead to people becoming rejected and ridiculed by their peers, resulting in withdrawal, social isolation and self-confidence, self-worth and esteem issues, which may manifest
as stress anxiety or depression. Negative experiences may result in trust issues which make forming relationships with others even more difficult As a result of not being accepted they may be more
willing to conform to peer pressure in an attempt to be accepted. This can then lead them into getting into trouble and potential for them to be involved in ASB and disruptive behaviour
2. Explain the difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty 6 Marks
Learning difficulties - are specific learning disabilities that are not related to impairment of intelligence, but have specific problems processing certain information. An individual may often have
more than one specific learning difficulty and other conditions may also be experienced alongside each other. They may have no other related problems and no relating social difficulties. Examples of
learning difficulties are
Dyslexia - difficulty processing language, manifesting as problems with reading, writing and spelling.
Dyspraxia - difficulty with fine and or gross motor skills, including coordination and manual
dexterity.
Dysgraphia - difficulty with handwriting, spelling and composition, including formulation of letters, handwriting can be difficult or impossible to read
Dyscalculia - problems with maths, time, money, counting, adding up and other
computation, they may struggle mental arithmetic.
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Learning disabilities –usually begin early in life, unless the result of a brain injury. It is linked to an overall cognitive impairment. A child with a learning disability may have one or more learning
difficulties and related social and emotional issues. The characteristics of a learning disability are a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, or to learn new skills,
reduced ability to function independently which affects development. IQ is one method of identifying a learning disability alongside social functioning and other factors such as social contexts.
Social functions include communication, assessing risks, taking care of self, and being safe.
3. Discuss the three causes of general learning difficulties 3 Marks
A learning difficulty is caused by the brain working differently to the norm. The three causes of general learning difficulties are
Heredity – Learning disabilities often run in the family. Genes are passed from the parents, e.g. Chromosome abnormalities such as
Down’s syndrome or Turner syndrome or fragile X
Problems during pregnancy and birth – it can result from anomalies in the developing brain, or a result of illness or injury. This can include Mother’s illness during pregnancy, foetal
exposure to alcohol or drugs, low birth weight, oxygen deprivation, or by premature or prolonged labour or a very premature birth
Something affecting the development of the brain after birth, or in early childhood.- this can be caused by head injuries, malnutrition, toxic exposure such as heavy metals, radiation or
pesticides, neglect, child abuse, lack of mental stimulation early in life or significant illness or injury affecting brain development.
The Definition of Autism 4. Outline three differences between autism and Asperger syndrome 6 Marks
People with Asperger’s suffer from less severe symptoms than those with autism. Three differences between autism and Asperger syndrome are
Learning ability - People with Asperger’s do not on the whole experience language delays.
Some people with Autism may never speak ever. However, children with Asperger’s speech patterns may be unusual, with lack inflection, or may be formal, monotone, they may not
understand the subtleties of language e.g. humour, or understand the give-and-take nature of a conversation.
Cognitive ability - Some diagnosed with autism also have learning difficulties, and may have
below than average IQ. Most people with Asperger’s possess average to above-average intelligence. a person with Asperger’s doesn’t have a significant cognitive delay
Those with ASD have characteristics that stop them from behaving according to socially
accepted norms. Autistic people are seen as aloof and uninterested in making friends and forming relationships. Those with Asperger’s may have social issues but appear to want to fit
in, but do not have the skills to achieve this, resulting in social awkwardness, lack of empathy and non-existent appropriate non-verbal communication skills .
5. Describe the three different conditions within the autistic spectrum 3 Marks
