Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities

1. A client requires medical treatment, however the person requires consent to treatment. How could you seek consent for an individual with PMLD?

Talk to staff, next of kin and family members and make a best interests decision

Ask next of kin to accompany the client for their appointment so they can consent on behalf of the client

Assess the individuals capacity to consent, and make a best interests decision if the individual is deemed to lack capacity

According to the Mental Capacity Act (2005) no adult is able to consent on behalf of another adult (18 years+), therefore family members cannot consent. However before making a best interests decision a capacity assessment should be completed and agreed by psychology. A best interests decision should take into account necessity of treatment, implications of undergoing treatment as well as compliance with aftercare.

Explanation

According to the Mental Capacity Act (2005) no adult is able to consent on behalf of another adult (18 years+), therefore family members cannot consent. However before making a best interests decision a capacity assessment should be completed and agreed by psychology. A best interests decision should take into account necessity of treatment, implications of undergoing treatment as well as compliance with aftercare.

2. Who from the following could be deemed to have PMLD?

An individual with severe learning disability and a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder

An individual with athetoid cerebral palsy

An individual with limited mobility, epilepsy and severe learning disabilities

An individual with spastic hemiplegia, epilepsy and profound learning disabilities

To be classed as having PMLD the individual must have been assessed as having profound learning disabilities accompanied by severe physical disability. However many consultants opinion can differ as to the level of disability an individual has.

Explanation

To be classed as having PMLD the individual must have been assessed as having profound learning disabilities accompanied by severe physical disability. However many consultants opinion can differ as to the level of disability an individual has.

3. According to DSM-IV (ABA, 1994) what percentage of the learning disabled population have profound and multiple disabilities?

1-2%

2-4%

5-10%

10-15%

17-20%

The DSM-IV states that only 1-2% individuals will have PMLD, however, the criteria used to assess PMLD is the WHO guidelines of an IQ of 20-25 or below. However,assessing the IQ of people with profound disabilities is difficult and often unreliable. Therefore this figure may not be a true reflection of actual statistics

Explanation

The DSM-IV states that only 1-2% individuals will have PMLD, however, the criteria used to assess PMLD is the WHO guidelines of an IQ of 20-25 or below. However,assessing the IQ of people with profound disabilities is difficult and often unreliable. Therefore this figure may not be a true reflection of actual statistics

4. Acording to Scope (2009), what are the prevalence rates of babies that are born with cerebral palsy?

1 in 200

1 in 300

1 in 400

1 in 500

1 in 600

1 in 500 children are born with CP, this rate has remained similar for the past 50 years.

Explanation

1 in 500 children are born with CP, this rate has remained similar for the past 50 years.

5. Effective communication is essential when supporting individuals with learning disabilities (Bakken et al, 2002), however which of the following is most recommended for people with limited communicative ability?

Intensive Interaction (II)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Total Communication

Makaton, BLS or other Sign Language

Ideally total communication should be used as this incorporates verbal, non verbal, augmentative, alternative communication and objects of reference. This enhances language and developmentment of communication. An example of this would be an individual who uses makaton. Whilst using makaton, the carer should also speak and use objects of reference if applicable.

Explanation

Ideally total communication should be used as this incorporates verbal, non verbal, augmentative, alternative communication and objects of reference. This enhances language and developmentment of communication. An example of this would be an individual who uses makaton. Whilst using makaton, the carer should also speak and use objects of reference if applicable.

Profound And Multiple Learning Disabilities