Dr Joel Parker Clinical Psychologist

 What does it mean to say that someone has learning disabilities?  What are the challenges people with learning disabilities face?  How do we support people with Learning disabilities in Islington?

 That they have a significant impairment in “intellectual functioning”.  This means they find thinking and reasoning,  This is usually measured using IQ tests.  Someone with learning disabilities has to be in the bottom 2%.  This usually means that their IQ is below 70.

““  They also have an impairment in adaptive functioning.  The person might need help with eating and drinking, personal care and getting dressed.  Or it could be more subtle areas of social problem solving and social reasoning.

 These impairments date back to childhood.

Problems only with reading, writing, numeracy (i.e. specific learning difficulties) Dyslexia or dyspraxia Asperger’s syndrome or high functioning autism Conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Emotional/social problems that have disrupted schooling or affected development Acquired brain injury Mental health problems

◦ Able to hold a conversation ◦ Independent in most aspect of self and social care ◦ basic reading and writing skills ◦ Usually able to maintain social relationship and employment  For this group primary care services will provide most of their health care with little need for input from specialist teams

 Usually have some verbal communication skills  Able to carry out self-care tasks with moderate supervision  Can often manage in community settings with moderate degree of supervision  Likely to need some support in negotiating and accessing health care service

 Very limited or specialist communication skills  Often additional physical disabilities or mobility problems  Require a much greater level of support in most aspect of life, including identifying and meeting health related problems

 More likely to live in areas of high deprivation  Growing awareness of hate/mate crime.  Abuse reported re. 3% of adults with LD (2011 figures): of these 38% physical abuse, 18% emotional/psychological abuse, 18% neglect, 13% financial abuse, 9% sexual abuse.

 Only 7% in in paid employment.  2.5 times more likely to have health problems  Life expectancy 24 years shorter than national average.

The partnership is a multidisciplinary team. Wide range of social care and health care professionals.

Based in Drayton Park near the Emirates stadium. Work with adults who have learning disabilities who live in Islington or where Islington responsible. Also work with people’s support network

Specialist assessment intervention and support. Provide training for carers, support workers and other professionals in main stream services. Support family members who are carers. Safeguarding.