Abnormal Psychology Unit 3 Learning Disabilities Mental Retardation

Learning Disabilities It was not until the 1960s that childhood disorders were added to the DSM (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2010). –What reasons were noted for adding diagnostic criteria for children? –What exactly constitutes a learning disability being noted as a disorder? –Are learning disabilities abnormal?

Prior to the revision of the DSM in 1968 only 2 childhood disorders were noted. –Adjustment reaction of childhood –Childhood schizophrenia (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2010)

Learning disorders: –“Characterized by academic functioning that is substantially below that expected given a person’s chronological age, measured intelligence, and age- appropriate education” (APA, 1994, p. 38). –“Characterized by serious deficits in one or two specific areas” but can “function adequately in other areas” (Maxmen, Ward, & Kilgus, 2009).

The DSM-IV suggests there are 4 specific learning disorders. –Reading Disorder –Mathematics Disorder –Disorder of Writing Expression –Learning Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) (APA, 1994).

Criteria for Diagnosis Criteria - Reading, Writing & Mathematics –A. Significantly below expectations as measured by standard testing for age, intelligence, & education. –B. Disturbance from criteria A interferes with academic achievement or activities of daily living. –C. If a sensory deficit is present, the learning difficulties are in excess of those associated with it. –Learning Disorder NOS »Used for those that do not meet criteria A, but meet B and C. (APA, 1994, pp ).

Are Learning Disabilities Abnormal? Reading disorders are usually noted prior to age 7. Spelling and writing problems are usually noted by age 8. Mathematics disorder is usually noted when simple counting measures or memorization is not effective. –5% of children appear to have a learning disorder. (Maxmen, Ward, & Kilgus, 2009). –10-25% diagnosed with Conduct DO, ODD, ADHD, Major Depressive DO, or Dysthymic DO also have learning disorders (APA, 1994).

Mental Retardation The diagnosis of mental retardation is based upon adaptive functioning rather than simply upon IQ. IQ tests measure potential ability to succeed in school performance. “Mental retardation is not a single disease, syndrome, or symptom, but rather a state of impairment that is identified by the behavior and abilities of the individual” (Maxmen, Ward, & Kilgus, 2009).

DSM-IV has 4 classifications of severity of Mental Retardation based on IQ. –317 Mild Mental: IQ level to 70 –318.0 Moderate: IQ level to –318.1 Severe: IQ level to –318.2 Profound: IQ level below (APA, 1994, p. 41).

Predisposing Factors Heredity - 5% Early Issues in Embryonic Development - 30% Pregnancy & Perinatal Problems - 10% Medical Conditions in Infancy & Childhood - 5% Environmental Issues/mental illness - 15/20% Prevalence Rate = approximately 1% depending upon population with a male/female ratio of 1.5:1 (APA, 1994, pp ).

–Early diagnosis leads to the best outcomes for treatment and to develop strategies to help these children reach their highest potential

References APA, (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed.). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association. Butcher, J.N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J.M. (2010). Abnormal psychology (14th Ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Maxmen, J.S., Ward, N.G., & Kilgus, M. (2009). Essential Psychopathology & its treatment (3rd Ed.). New York, NY: Norton & Company.