What causes a learning disability? Most incidents of learning disability are caused by chromosomal and genetic errors. Of these, Downs’ Syndrome is the most common form of learning disability. Others are caused during pregnancy (pre-natal) e.g. foetal alcohol syndrome, and during or after birth e.g. birth trauma, accidents and infections. For many people with a learning disability the cause is often unknown. How many people have a learning disability? It is still common practice to rely solely on IQ when determining whether someone has a learning disability, rather than using adaptive behaviour tests in conjunction with IQ tests. Based upon the IQ classification, the prevalence rate for Western countries for people with mild to moderate learning disability (IQ 50-70) is 30 per 1000 of population and for people with a severe learning disability (IQ < 50) it is 1 per 1000 upward pressures may be attributed to: The greater incidence and survival rate of children with severe learning disability and complex health needs (Robertson et al, 1992). Increased life expectancy of people with severe learning disability into mid and old age (Janicki et al, 1999) A bulge in the UK childhood prevalence of learning disabilities for births between the mid 1950’s and mid 1960’s. (Fryers, 1993). Higher prevalence of rates of severe learning disability amongst South Asian communities in the UK (Emerson et al, 1997). Increases in average maternal age. Increases in the number of children growing up in poverty (Policy and Practice Statement), Increases in prenatal threats of substance misuse (Policy and Practice Statement). Downward pressures are also prevalent and will have an impact: Impact of pre-natal screening for Down’s syndrome is estimated to reduce the natural rate by 0.5% per 1000. Improved health care and support resulting in fewer risk’ infants ‘at developing learning disability. However, increased life expectancy for people with a learning disability is significant and outweighs any downward trends.
What causes a learning disability? Most incidents of learning disability are caused by chromosomal and genetic errors. Of these, Downs’ Syndrome is the most common form of learning disability. Others are caused during pregnancy (pre-natal) e.g. foetal alcohol syndrome, and during or after birth e.g. birth trauma, accidents and infections. For many people with a learning disability the cause is often unknown. How many people have a learning disability? It is still common practice to rely solely on IQ when determining whether someone has a learning disability, rather than using adaptive behaviour tests in conjunction with IQ tests. Based upon the IQ classification, the prevalence rate for Western countries for people with mild to moderate learning disability (IQ 50-70) is 30 per 1000 of population and for people with a severe learning disability (IQ < 50) it is 1 per 1000 upward pressures may be attributed to: The greater incidence and survival rate of children with severe learning disability and complex health needs (Robertson et al, 1992). Increased life expectancy of people with severe learning disability into mid and old age (Janicki et al, 1999) A bulge in the UK childhood prevalence of learning disabilities for births between the mid 1950’s and mid 1960’s. (Fryers, 1993). Higher prevalence of rates of severe learning disability amongst South Asian communities in the UK (Emerson et al, 1997). Increases in average maternal age. Increases in the number of children growing up in poverty (Policy and Practice Statement), Increases in prenatal threats of substance misuse (Policy and Practice Statement). Downward pressures are also prevalent and will have an impact: Impact of pre-natal screening for Down’s syndrome is estimated to reduce the natural rate by 0.5% per 1000. Improved health care and support resulting in fewer ‘at risk’ infants developing learning disability. However, increased life expectancy for people with a learning disability is significant and outweighs any downward trends.
Commissioning_Strategy_LD_Final.docx