Learning Disability

This is an updated version of a comprehensive a resource for health professionals working with people (primarily adults) who have learning disabilities (intellectual disabilities).

It will provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse approaches to treatment and management issues, as well as methods to help them achieve the rehabilitation aims – including the usage of non-healthcare facilities. Split into three sections, the book covers 1: Underlying theory; 2: Assessment; 3: Practical methods of physical treatment and management.

• Combines history and the theory underlying learning disability and its associated conditions; assessment, and practical physical treatment.
• Achieves carefully assessed aims through methods appropriate to the individual client.
• Funding suggestions for working in non-healthcare situations.
• Features a breadth of content that also appeals to non-physiotherapists.

Preface vii

List of fi gures xi

List of tables xiii

List of contributors xv

I Learning Disability and Associated Problems that Affect Physical Ability 1

1 What is Learning Disability? 3
Jeanette Rennie

2 Learning Disability: Classifi cation and Associated Conditions 49
Jeanette Rennie, Mark Sterrick and Jane Neil-MacLachlan

3 Psychiatric and Behavioural Disorders in People with Learning Disabilities 64
Tanya Thiagarajah

4 Orthopaedic Aspects of Learning Disability 93
James E. Robb

II Assessing Physical Ability and Planning Intervention 109

5 The Multiprofessional Learning Disability Team 111
Patricia Odunmbaku Auty and Jeanette Rennie

6 First Steps in Communicating with People Who Have Learning Disabilities 129
Sue Standing and Sue Smith

7 Assessment 146
Anneliese Barrell

8 Interpretation of Assessment Results as a Basis for Intervention and Outcome Measures 166
Anneliese Barrell

III Practical Treatment and Management 177

9 Postural Care 179
John Goldsmith and Liz Goldsmith

10 An approach to Treating and Managing Severe Physical Disability 200
Ann Findlay

11 Hydrotherapy 215
Patricia Odunmbaku Auty

12 Riding for Disabled People 232
Alys Watson

13 Rebound Therapy 249
Sally Smith and Debbi Cook

14 Group Work 263
Jeanette Rennie, Lucy Clark and Helen Holme

15 Sport and Outdoor Pursuits 279
Angela Johnson, Jonathan Gray and Ian Silkstone, updated by Jeanette Rennie

16 Developing Opportunities for Health Promotion and Fitness Using Standard Local Facilities 294
Jeanette Rennie, Michael Craven, Amanda Leech and Sybil Williams

17 Complementary Therapies 309
Libby Davies, Jane Bruce and Maria Gunstone

Appendix A: Further Reading 325

Appendix B: Useful Addresses and Web Sites 331

Appendix C: Relevant Acts of Parliament 343

Index 345

"This edition is well laid out in a more up-to date format. It is clear and easy to read, and tables and figures are appropriate and clear, but unlike the first edition, the second edition only contains one photograph. A notable change is the inclusion of references at the end of each chapter, which is very helpful when considering further research. Although some of the references and tables seem dated, current examples are also included in most cases." (Physiotherapy Journal, March 2010)

Jeanette Rennie (Ed), Self employed physiotherapist working with adults with learning disabilities; formally, Senior Physiotherapist, Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust, Learning Disability Services.

This is an updated version of the comprehensive book Learning Disability: Physical Therapy, Treatment and Management. It answers questions asked by health, education or social services professionals regarding the term "Learning disability". Most learning disability literature focuses on psychiatry, education and behaviour. This book examines the effect of these aspects and neurological deficit, on physical ability. Physiotherapists and other professionals describe an eclectic approach to treatment and management and methods to achieve their aims, frequently using non-healthcare facilities.

Learning Disability: Physical Therapy Treatment and Management. A Collaborative Approach, Second Edition is written in three sections:

• Section one describes the underlying theory. It includes worldwide social policy developments, which have influenced attitudes towards learning disability and subsequently affected physical treatment and management; causes and categorisation of learning disability; medication for associated conditions, their side effects and impact on physical ability; and orthopaedic procedures
• Section two focuses on assessment. It describes multi-professional structures within which assessments are undertaken; communication skills required for their success; and physiotherapy assessments methods and interpretation of results, which can also be used by other professions.
• Section three describes nine practical methods of physical treatment and management ranging from posture management with profoundly disabled people to working through sport.

Health professionals working with people who have learning disabilities (intellectual disabilities), staff and carers involved in their day-to-day management and students will find this book a valuable resource.