Chapter 14 - Preconceptions and the reality of learning disabilities. In this chapter students will be able: To appreciate the socially constructed nature of learning disability; to understand the historical precedents that inform current thinking; to be aware of the wide variety of causal events, processes and circumstances that can impact on these individuals; | Chapter 14 Preconceptions and the reality of learning disabilities Introduction People labelled with learning disability suffer a disproportionately higher level of ill health when compared with the rest of the population Respiratory disease is the highest cause of death, other conditions such as epilepsy, obesity, diabetes, endocrine disorders, mental health problems, sensory impairments and gastrointestinal cancers are also prevalent. Nurses will be in frequent and regular contact with individuals from this particular social grouping over the course of their professional careers. Caring for someone identified as having a learning disability requires all the care and attention as a patient with a physical illness. It is also a matter of legislation and policy initiatives. Philosophical & Theoretical issues Below is an account of what happened when a patient, J had to go into hospital for a routine procedure: ‘It said I had a learning disability on the case notes. They [the nurses] talk down to you. They explained it [the procedure] to my carer, not to me. I felt upset and kept it all bottled up. J is a grown woman who can articulate perfectly well but the people who were supposed to be looking after her couldnt see past the label and ended up treating her badly. When communicating with someone who is identified as having a learning disability remember, its the person who is sick, not his or her label. Do Learning Disabilities Exist? Some would suggest that theres no such thing as learning disability, however, what about people who have learning disabilities. An example of which could be patients you’ve cared for who have Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. Some believe that these people have impairments and thats not quite the same as disability. This distinction is important, especially to anyone who wants to make a serious go of a career in health and social care. The Social Model of Disability: architecture & attitudes Disability is a concept or . | Chapter 14 Preconceptions and the reality of learning disabilities Introduction People labelled with learning disability suffer a disproportionately higher level of ill health when compared with the rest of the population Respiratory disease is the highest cause of death, other conditions such as epilepsy, obesity, diabetes, endocrine disorders, mental health problems, sensory impairments and gastrointestinal cancers are also prevalent. Nurses will be in frequent and regular contact with individuals from this particular social grouping over the course of their professional careers. Caring for someone identified as having a learning disability requires all the care and attention as a patient with a physical illness. It is also a matter of legislation and policy initiatives. Philosophical & Theoretical issues Below is an account of what happened when a patient, J had to go into hospital for a routine procedure: ‘It said I had a learning disability on the case notes. They [the nurses] .
