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Screening Tool: Definition of A Learning Disability

This document provides a checklist for GPs to help identify learning disabilities. It includes definitions, questions to consider, and factors that may or may not indicate a learning disability. The checklist covers areas like education history, daily living skills, and social functioning.

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Umdatul Khoirot
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14 views

Screening Tool: Definition of A Learning Disability

This document provides a checklist for GPs to help identify learning disabilities. It includes definitions, questions to consider, and factors that may or may not indicate a learning disability. The checklist covers areas like education history, daily living skills, and social functioning.

Uploaded by

Umdatul Khoirot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Screening Tool

This is a checklist for GPs to assist them in identifying a learning disability.


This is not intended as a diagnostic tool so always apply sound clinical judgement.

Definition of a learning disability:


A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills
(Significantly impaired intelligence) and a reduced ability to cope independently, (Impaired
social / adaptive functioning) and which started before adulthood (onset before aged 18)
with a lasting effect on development.

Yes No
Questions to consider
P X

Has anyone ever told the person that they have a learning disability?

Is there a diagnosis of a learning disability


in any notes? (IQ under 70).

Did person attend a special school?

Did the person achieve qualifications at school? (GCSE at low grades could
indicate LD but high grade GCSE, A Levels or university education LD is not likely.

Is the person known to the Community Learning Disability Team?

Does person have a consultant psychiatrist for learning disabilities?

Does person need assistance with transport?


(unable to get around independently)

Does person have problems with simple numerical calculations?


(i.e.‘If I gave you £5 to buy milk. Milk costs £1.50 – how much is left?)

Does person have problems reading? (reading a novel or newspaper usually


rules out a learning disability.)

How does the person function in society?


Does the person need support with activities of daily living?
Does the person have difficulty with:

Communicating needs Yes No


Writing Yes No
Self-Care Yes No
Living independently Yes No
Interpreting social cues Yes No
Controlling behaviour Yes No
Co-ordinating movement Yes No
Learning new skills Yes No
Understanding new or complex information Yes No

Several YES answers will often indicate the presence of a Learning Disability.

Factors which MAY NOT Factors which MAY indicate a


indicate a learning disability learning disability
• Record of delayed development/
• Normal development until other
difficulties with social functioning and
factors impact (before 18). daily living before 18.

• Diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, • Requires significant assistance to


dyspraxia or Asperger’s. provide for own survival (eating &
drinking, keeping self clean, warm
• Successfully attend mainstream and clothed) and/or with social /
education without support. community adaptation (e.g. Social
problem solving/reasoning).
• Gained qualifications (GCSE and/ NB need for assistance may be subtle.
or A ’Levels).
• Presence of all three criteria for LD i.e.
• Able to function socially without Impairment of intellectual functioning/
support. social adaptive functioning and age of
onset.
• Able to complete complex
purchases e.g. buying a house. • Range of information presenting a
picture of difficulties in a number of
• Able to drive a car. areas of function, not explainable by
another ‘label’.
• Contact with mental health services.
• Contact with specialist Learning
Disability consultant.
• Recorded IQ above 70.

Adapted from the original screening tool developed by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
and Leeds North Clinical Commissioning Group.

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