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Questions and Answers
What does the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) specifically include apart from health-related domains?
In which areas of functioning are disturbances associated with mental, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental disorders typically observed?
Which statement best describes the nature of mental, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental disorders according to the ICF classification?
What is the main focus of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)?
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What underlying processes contribute to the disturbances associated with mental, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental disorders?
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What condition is characterized by deficits in intellectual functions and adaptive functioning during the developmental period?
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Which of the following criteria must be met to diagnose intellectual disability?
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Which of the following terms is currently preferred over 'mental retardation' in Ontario?
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What does Criterion B involve in the context of intellectual disability?
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Which of the following specifiers can describe the severity of neurodevelopmental disorders?
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Which of the following is NOT listed as a criterion for intellectual disability?
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What is meant by 'adaptive functioning' in the context of intellectual disability?
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What factor may NOT be associated with neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses?
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Which of the following correctly defines dual diagnosis?
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What primarily differentiates comorbidity from dual diagnosis?
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Which factor is NOT typically associated with the causation of developmental disabilities?
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Neurodevelopmental disorders primarily originate from which of the following areas?
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What is referred to as a developmental delay?
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Which of the following is an example of a developmental disability?
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Which environmental exposure is commonly linked to developmental disabilities?
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What characteristic is typically associated with neurodevelopmental disorders?
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Which of the following best describes the primary focus of neurodevelopmental disorders?
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What is a common cause of neurodevelopmental disorders?
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Which syndrome or disability is NOT included under neurodevelopmental disorders?
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What is one of the five assumptions essential to the definition of intellectual disability?
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According to the RHPA framework, what is one of its key features?
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Which factor is regarded as an important consideration when diagnosing or assessing neurodevelopmental disorders?
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What type of learning disability is recognized as a specific learning disorder?
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What role does the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board serve under the RHPA?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the American Association of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) definition of intellectual disability?
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Which of the following statements correctly describes neurodevelopmental disorders?
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What is the primary purpose of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)?
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Which term has replaced 'handicap' in the ICF model?
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How does the ICF describe the interaction between person and environment?
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What do 'activity limitations' refer to in the context of the ICF?
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What approach does the ICF utilize to encompass various aspects of health?
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What are 'body functions' as defined in the ICF?
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What shift in terminology does the ICF emphasize in its framework?
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What do 'participation restrictions' signify within the ICF framework?
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What is the main distinction between 'capacity' and 'performance' in the context of the ICF model?
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How does the new definition of developmental disability differ from previous classifications?
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Which of the following describes the implication of family as an environmental factor in a child's development according to ICF?
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What significant change occurred in July 2011 regarding developmental services in Ontario?
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What aspect is NOT considered in the new definition of developmental disabilities according to the Ontario legislation?
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Which of the following domains falls under 'Performance' in the context of the ICF model?
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Which statement accurately reflects the changes introduced under the new legislation for developmental disabilities?
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How does the ICF-CY classification impact the understanding of childhood disabilities?
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What are the potential negative implications of using disability terms?
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Which of the following best defines an exceptional student according to the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process?
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What is a primary focus of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY)?
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Which of the following areas is explicitly mentioned as a category under the new definition of developmental disabilities?
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What role does the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board serve under the RHPA?
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Why is there a shift in understanding developmental disabilities over time?
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What is the primary goal of assessment in the context of developmental disabilities?
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Why is it essential to accurately assess neurodevelopmental processes in individuals?
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Which of the following best describes the assessment process for diagnosing developmental disabilities?
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What do the neurodevelopmental systems contribute to in individuals?
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What is often the first step in the assessment process for developmental disabilities?
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Which of the following is a common misconception about assessment in developmental disabilities?
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What aspect of developmental disabilities does assessment NOT aim to provide?
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Why is utilizing evidence-based strategies important in the context of assessment for developmental disabilities?
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What is a characteristic feature of sensory memory?
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Which type of information is primarily processed in sensory memory?
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What role does attention play in the transition from sensory memory to short-term memory?
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Which statement most accurately describes the limitations of sensory memory?
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Which of the following best explains the capacity of sensory memory?
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What does a heritability estimate close to zero indicate about a trait?
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What range of heritability estimates is defined in the context of traits?
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What percentage of risk for major mental disorders can be attributed to common genetic variation?
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Which of the following factors may contribute to the prevalence of specific disabilities?
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Which of the following conditions is caused by inherited genetic metabolic disorders?
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What percentage of ADHD cases are attributed to genetic risk factors?
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Which gene is NOT mentioned as being involved in the dopaminergic pathway related to ADHD?
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What is the estimated contribution of environmental factors to the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
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What is haploinsufficiency commonly associated with in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
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Which environmental risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is NOT mentioned?
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What is the heritability range of ADHD?
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Which of the following is a contributing factor to the genetic risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
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Which of the following protein genes is associated with oxidative stress in the context of ADHD?
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Study Notes
Intellectual Disability
- This term is used in contexts where the individuals experience cognitive, social, and practical developmental delays
- It encompasses a spectrum of cognitive functioning across a range of levels of severity
- It is a disorder that is evident during the developmental period
- International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a key framework to better understand the dynamic interaction of a persons’ functioning and their environment.
- Mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental are syndromes that are marked by difficulties with cognition, emotional regulation, and behavior.
Specifiers
- Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Profound.
Key Definitions
- Intellectual disability (ID)
- Intellectual functions: Reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning and learning from experience, and practical understanding.
- Adaptive functioning: The ability to meet age-appropriate standards for personal independence and social responsibility
- Conceptual domain: Involves the ability to demonstrate understanding of abstract concepts like time and money
- Social domain: Involves the ability to demonstrate a grasp of social cues and rules to navigate social situations
- Practical domain: Involves the ability to engage in activities of daily living, personal care, and community responsibilities
- Neurodevelopmental Disorder: This is a disorder that affects the development and functioning of the brain.
- ICD-11: This is a manual used for classifying and diagnosing mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Developmental Disabilities
- A group of conditions impacting physical, learning, language, or behavior
- Begin during development, affect daily functioning, and often last a lifetime
- Caused by a mix of factors:
- Genetics
- Parental health during pregnancy (smoking, drinking)
- Birth complications
- Infections during pregnancy or early life
- Environmental toxins
- Some have known causes, like fetal alcohol syndrome due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Examples: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disability, learning disability, vision impairment, and developmental delays
Intellectual Disability
- Characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, and practical skills).
- Originates before age 18.
- Assessment considers cultural and linguistic diversity, communication, sensory, motor, and behavioral factors.
- Individuals have strengths alongside limitations.
- Supports improve life function over time.
Dual Diagnosis
- Involves an Intellectual Disability plus a psychiatric disorder like anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
Comorbidity or Co-occurrence
- At least two diagnoses, like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy, or Fragile X Syndrome and Visual Impairment, or an Intellectual Disability and Physical Impairment.
Developmental Delay
- A descriptive term indicating a delay in a child's development (speech, walking, cognitive).
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Cognitive-related disorders with genetic causes, present from early childhood
- Affect a child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and learning abilities throughout development
- Impairments of the brain and central nervous system
- Innate to an individual, affecting brain and central nervous system wiring
- Causes: genetics, immune system disorders, infections, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, trauma, medications, and severe emotional deprivation
- Stage of development at the time of the event influences severity.
Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Intellectual disabilities
- Communication and language disorders
- Specific learning disorders (reading, writing, math)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive function deficits
- Nonverbal learning disability
- Motor disorders and developmental coordination disorder
Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) 1991
- Aims to:
- Protect and serve the public interest
- Promote an open and accountable self-governance system
- Modernize the framework for health professionals
- Empower consumers with freedom of choice
- Improve quality of care
American Association of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Definition
- “Intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before age 18. The following five assumptions are essential to the application of this definition:
- Limitations in present functioning must be considered, within the context of community, environments typical of the individual’s age, peers, and culture.
- Valid assessment considers cultural and linguistic diversity as well as differences in communication, sensory, motor and behavioral factors.
- Within an individual, limitations often coexist with strengths.
- An important purpose of describing limitations is to develop a profile of needs supports.
- With appropriate personalized supports over a sustained period, the life functioning of the person with intellectual disability, generally will improve.”
Key Features of RHPA 1991
- Scope of practice: Outlines what the profession does.
- Controlled acts: Procedures or activities posing risk to the public if not performed by a qualified practitioner.
- Health regulatory colleges: Corporations governing regulated health professions, responsible for regulating practice and members according to RHPA.
- Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council: Independent advisory body to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, advising on health profession regulation.
- Health Professions Appeal and Review Board: Independent third party reviewing registration and complaint decisions of health regulatory colleges.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
- The ICF is a classification system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that focuses on the "components of health."
- It encompasses all aspects of health, categorized into health domains and health-related domains.
- It aims to be a universal classification system that applies to all individuals, not just those with disabilities.
- It is intended as a complementary system to the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
- The ICF employs a "biopsychosocial" approach to health, functioning, and disability, emphasizing the interplay of biological, individual, and social perspectives.
Understanding the Conceptual Framework of the ICF
- The ICF terminology shifts away from negative terms such as "impairment," "disability," and "handicap" to more neutral terms like "body function and structure," "activity," and "participation," respectively.
- "Disability" is now defined as an umbrella term representing the dynamic interaction between an individual and their environment.
- The ICF framework consists of interconnected elements of health, functioning, and disability, depicted through bidirectional arrows.
- This interconnectedness implies that any aspect of function can potentially influence other aspects in a non-linear manner.
Definition of Components of the ICF
- Body Functions: These refer to the physiological functions of body systems, including psychological functions.
- Body Structures: These encompass anatomical parts of the body, such as organs, limbs, and their components.
- Impairments: Problems in body function or structure, indicating significant deviation or loss.
- Activity: The execution of a task or action by an individual.
- Participation: Involvement in a life situation.
- Activity Limitations: Difficulties an individual may face in executing activities.
- Participation Restrictions: Problems an individual might experience in participating in life situations.
- Environmental Factors: These encompass the physical, social, and attitudinal environment in which individuals live and conduct their lives.
The ICF & 'Clinical Thinking'
- The ICF model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding functioning and disability, offering multiple entry points for interventions.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering the child's environment, particularly their family, as a key influencer.
- The ICF distinguishes between "capacity" and "performance."
- Capacity refers to an individual's ability to execute a task or action at their highest possible level of functioning.
- Performance describes the actual actions an individual undertakes in their current environment.
Activities and Participation Domains
- Performance & Capacity domains under the ICF framework include:
- Learning & applying knowledge
- General tasks & demands
- Communication
- Mobility
- Self-care
- Domestic life
- Interpersonal interactions & relationships
- Major life areas
- Community, social, & civic life
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY)
- The ICF-CY is a WHO-approved classification derived from the ICF, providing further detailed information for applying the ICF to children and youth.
- It specifically addresses how to document the relevant aspects of functioning and health in children and youth.
Pros and Cons to Disability Terms
-
Cons:
- May lead to isolation and segregation of individuals.
- May deny personal freedoms, human rights, and prevent procreation.
- Can contribute to stereotyping.
-
Pros:
- Helps assist and identify individuals with special needs.
- Can protect the rights and needs of vulnerable groups.
- Provides a common basis for understanding.
- Broadens understanding of disability.
- Promotes advocacy and self-advocacy.
- Focuses attention on specific issues.
Trends & Perspectives
- The field of developmental disabilities is undergoing a shift in understanding and perspective.
- Developmental disabilities are often understood within the context of categories such as intellectual capacities, communication skills, behavior, or slower development.
- This perspective often relies on the determination of what is considered "normal."
National & International Socio-politico Trends
- Factors impacting the field of developmental disabilities:
- National: Community living, inclusion, and increasing knowledge of disabilities.
- Provincial: Evolution of government roles, such as universal accessibility.
Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008
- This legislation officially replaced the Developmental Services Act in July 2011.
Definition of Developmental Disabilities
-
Developmental Disability: A person is considered to have a developmental disability if they experience significant limitations in cognitive and adaptive functioning, which:
- Originated before the person reached 18 years of age.
- Are likely to be lifelong in nature.
- Affect areas of major life activity, such as:
- Personal care
- Language skills
- Learning abilities
- Capacity to live independently as an adult
- Other prescribed activities.
What the Legislation Includes:
- A new definition for a developmental disability that emphasizes the impact on daily life and independence.
- A shift towards using more modern language, focusing on services and supports.
- A consistent, fair, and standardized application and assessment process across Ontario.
Changes Provincially
- Expansion of the definition of developmental disabilities to include individuals with diagnoses, such as mild forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
- A person-centered approach that emphasizes community agencies' roles.
- Direct funding, such as Special Services at Home Programs.
The Education Act
-
The Education Act categorizes "exceptional" students within five categories:
- Behavior
- Communication (autism, deaf & hard of hearing, language impairment, & learning disability)
- Intellectual (giftedness, mild intellectual disability, & developmental disability)
- Physical (physical disability and/or blind/low vision)
- Multiple
-
These categories are legislative definitions and should not be confused with clinical diagnoses.
What is an Exceptional Student?
- Students are identified as exceptional through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process.
- This committee is comprised of the principal (or designate) and two staff members from the school board.
- The IPRC process determines if a student is exceptional, needs special education programs, and the appropriate placement for their needs.
- The IPRC uses information from observations, test results, and assessments to make these decisions.
Assessment in Developmental Disabilities
- Purpose: To uncover an individual's strengths and needs, leading to appropriate interventions and services.
- Process: Involves identifying the presence of a developmental disability or other conditions, assessing signs, symptoms, and outcomes using standardized tests and measures.
- Complexity: Often involves multiple professionals and occurs over a long period of time.
- Intervention Standards: Clinicians use evidence-based strategies and interventions, with "gold standard" practices often recognized within the profession.
- Services: Beyond interventions, individuals receive various services designed to improve their lives.
Neurodevelopmental Processes
- Systems: Neurodevelopmental processes encompass attentional control, memory (sensory, short-term, long-term, working), language, spatial ordering, sequential ordering, motor, higher thinking, and social thinking systems.
- Interactive Nature: These systems work together, with different systems dominating depending on the demands of the situation.
- Assessment Importance: Evaluating each system is crucial to understand how an individual processes information and identify areas of strength and need.
ICF Breakdown
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) encompasses aspects beyond health-related domains, including body functions and structures, activities, & participation.
- Disturbances associated with mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders often affect functioning across various domains of the ICF, including body functions, activities, and participation.
- Mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders are considered within the ICF as disturbances in mental functions, including cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functions.
The ICF
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) primarily focuses on understanding the interaction between a person's health condition and their functioning in various domains of life.
Intellectual Disability
- The ICF classifies intellectual disability as a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning.
- Intellectual disability requires fulfilling two criteria: deficits in intellectual functioning (reasoning, planning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, judgement, learning, etc.) and deficits in adaptive functioning (conceptual, social, practical skills needed for daily living).
- "Intellectual disability" is now the preferred term over "mental retardation" in Ontario.
- Criterion B in intellectual disability assessment assesses adaptive functioning, focusing on conceptual, social, and practical skills needed for everyday life.
- Severity of neurodevelopmental disorders can be described using specifiers such as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
- A diagnosis of intellectual disability requires demonstrating limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning, not just one aspect.
- Adaptive functioning refers to an individual's ability to independently perform everyday tasks in various life areas like communication, social interaction, and practical skills.
- Neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses are not always solely attributed to a single factor, and multiple factors can contribute.
Dual Diagnosis
- Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of two or more mental health conditions, with at least one being a mental health disorder.
- Dual diagnosis is distinguished from comorbidity by the fact that it involves a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
- Developmental disabilities are not solely caused by genetic factors, but also by environmental factors and interactions.
- Neurodevelopmental disorders primarily stem from disturbances in brain development and functioning.
- Developmental delay signifies a delay in the acquisition of expected developmental milestones within certain age ranges.
- Developmental disabilities are characterized by persistent impairments in physical, cognitive, or behavioral functioning.
- Environmental exposure to factors like toxins, infections, or malnutrition can increase the risk of developmental disabilities.
- Neurodevelopmental disorders typically manifest with impairments in cognitive, social, and behavioral areas.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- The primary focus of neurodevelopmental disorders is on impairments related to developmental processes in the brain.
- Common causes of neurodevelopmental disorders include genetic factors, environmental factors, and combinations of both.
- Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome are considered neurodevelopmental disorders.
Intellectual Disability: Five Assumptions
- One of the five essential assumptions of intellectual disability is that an individual's level of intellectual ability may change over time.
Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA)
- The RHPA framework emphasizes the accountability and responsibility of regulated health professionals in providing ethical and competent care.
- When diagnosing or assessing neurodevelopmental disorders, it's crucial to consider cultural and linguistic factors, ensuring culturally sensitive assessment practices.
Specific Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia are categorized as specific learning disorders.
- The Health Professions Appeal and Review Board under the RHPA serves as an independent body to review decisions related to health professionals and their practice.
American Association of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
- The AAIDD definition of intellectual disability highlights the concept of supports required for successful functioning in various life domains.
ICF and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders are understood within the ICF as complex conditions impacting multiple body functions, activities, and participation.
- The ICF aims to provide a comprehensive framework for classifying and understanding the health, functioning, and disability of individuals across diverse populations.
- "Disability" has replaced the term "handicap" in the ICF model.
- The ICF describes the interaction between person and environment as a dynamic interplay influencing both functioning and disability.
-
Activity limitationswithin the ICF relate to difficulties an individual experiences in performing specific tasks or actions. - The ICF utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to encompass various aspects of health, including biological, psychological, and social factors.
-
Body functionsaccording to the ICF are physiological functions of body systems, including mental functions, sensory functions, and movement functions. - The ICF emphasizes a shift in terminology from focusing on impairments to emphasizing functioning and participation.
-
Participation restrictionsin the ICF model signify problems an individual encounters in engaging in desired life roles and social activities. -
Capacityrefers to an individual's potential to perform an activity, whileperformancereflects their actual performance of the activity in their specific environment.
Developmental Disabilities in Ontario
- The new definition of developmental disability differs from previous classifications by broadening the scope to include a wider range of conditions and focusing on the need for supports.
- The ICF framework highlights family as an environmental factor influencing the child's development. The family's role in providing support and resources for the child's growth is essential.
- In July 2011, Ontario implemented significant changes to its developmental services system, moving towards a more inclusive and person-centered approach.
- The new definition does not explicitly include specific disabilities but emphasizes the need for supports based on assessed needs.
- According to the ICF,
Performancewithin the context of the ICF, encompasses an individual's actual performance in life activities. - The new legislation for developmental disabilities acknowledges the diverse needs of individuals and emphasizes individualized support plans based on assessed needs.
- The ICF-CY (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth) provides a valuable tool for understanding childhood disabilities, promoting inclusive practices, and promoting the well-being of children and youth with disabilities.
Disability Terminology and Impact
- The use of disability terms like "handicapped" or "disabled" can carry negative connotations and contribute to societal stigma and exclusion.
- An exceptional student according to the IPRC (Identification, Placement, and Review Committee) process is a student whose needs require specialized instruction and support to access and benefit from education.
- The ICF-CY focuses on promoting the understanding of functioning and disability across the lifespan, recognizing the unique characteristics of development in children and youth.
- The new definition of developmental disabilities in Ontario specifically includes disabilities related to cognitive functioning, communication, and social-emotional development.
- The Health Professions Appeal and Review Board serves as an independent body responsible for reviewing decisions related to the practice of regulated health professionals.
- The understanding of developmental disabilities evolves over time, influenced by factors such as research, evolving models of disability, and shifts in societal perspectives.
- The primary goal of assessment in the context of developmental disabilities is to identify the individual's needs and strengths to develop effective support plans.
- Assessing neurodevelopmental processes is crucial for accurately understanding an individual's cognitive, social, and behavioral functioning.
- The assessment process for diagnosing developmental disabilities traditionally involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, psychological, educational, and social work professionals.
- Neurodevelopmental systems play a crucial role in shaping cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral development throughout the lifespan.
- ** Gathering information through interviews, observations, and standardized tests** is one of the first steps in the assessment process for developmental disabilities.
- Assessment is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that is adapted to the individual's stage of development and needs.
- Assessment for developmental disabilities aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual's strengths, needs, and potential for growth.
- Utilizing evidence-based strategies is important in assessment for developmental disabilities to ensure that interventions and support plans are effective.
Sensory Memory
- Sensory memory is characterized by its brief duration, large capacity, and reliance on the senses.
- Sensory memory primarily processes information received through the senses, including visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory information.
- Attention plays a critical role in the transition from sensory memory to short-term memory. When attention is directed towards a sensory input, it is transferred to short-term memory for further processing.
- Sensory memory is limited by its fleeting nature, where information fades rapidly unless actively processed and transferred to short-term memory.
- Sensory memory has a large capacity, meaning it can hold a vast amount of information, but only for a very short period.
Heritability
- Heritability is a measure of how much genetic differences contribute to variations in traits.
- Traits can be physical (e.g., height, eye color) or behavioral (e.g., intelligence, mental disorders).
- Heritability estimates range from zero to one.
- A heritability of zero means environmental factors are the primary cause of trait variation.
- A heritability near one means genetic differences are the primary cause of trait variation.
Genetics and Mental Illness
- Genetic variations play a role in mental illness risk.
- Studies show overlapping genetics between major mental disorders.
- Shared genetic variations contribute to 17-28% of the risk for these disorders.
Genetic Disorders
- "Inherited genetic metabolic disorders" result from single gene defects affecting metabolism.
- These disorders can involve amino acids, sugars, complex carbohydrates, or purine nucleotides.
- Examples include Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes.
Environmental and Other Factors
- Factors like ethnic origin can influence the prevalence of specific disabilities.
- Tay-Sachs disease is more common in individuals from central, northern, or eastern Europe.
- PKU is more frequent in Caucasians.
- Fragile X syndrome is more prevalent in Finland and Quebec, Canada.
Postnatal Causes
- Postnatal events can also contribute to developmental disabilities.
- Examples include head trauma, near drowning, stroke, brain tumors, and infections.
ADHD Genetics
- Genetics play a large role in ADHD, contributing to 70% of its cause.
- Heritability rates for ADHD range from 54% to over 70%, making it one of the most heritable neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Key genes involved in ADHD include those associated with dopamine pathways (SLC6A3, DRD4, MAOA), neurodevelopment (LPHN3, DIRAS2), and the opioid system (OPRM1).
- Genetic abnormalities in oxidative stress proteins (MAD, SOD, PON1, ARES, TOS, TAS, OSI), DISC1, DBH, DDC, microRNA, and adiponectin genes have also been linked to ADHD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Genetics
- The New Jersey Language and Autism Genetics Study (NJLAGS) investigated ASD and ADHD in 100 families.
- ASD frequently involves a rare genetic mutation, particularly in the form of copy number variants (CNVs) such as duplications or deletions of chromosomal loci or protein-disrupting single-nucleotide variants.
- Haploinsufficiency, characterized by a deficiency in one copy of a gene, accounts for at least 0.5% of ASD cases.
- Genetic factors are estimated to contribute 40 to 80 percent of the risk for developing ASD.
- Environmental factors, such as parental age, birth complications, exposure to medications or infections during pregnancy, and exposure to neurotoxins (lead, mercury, PCBs, cadmium), can also increase ASD risk.
Genetic Correlates and Psychiatric Disorders
- Research suggests that certain psychiatric disorders, including ASD, are more prevalent among individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Environmental factors contribute 55% to the risk of autism, with genetic factors contributing roughly 40%.
- Environmental risk factors for ASD include multiple births, older fathers, prenatal exposure to medications or infections, and exposure to neurotoxins.
- It's important to note that vaccination is not a risk factor for ASD.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts surrounding intellectual disability, including its definitions, severity specifiers, and the role of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). It aims to provide insights into cognitive, emotional, and practical aspects of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Test your knowledge on key terms and frameworks associated with this spectrum of cognitive functioning.
