Treatment
Drug treatment
Psychotropic medication may be used in addition to social, environmental and behavioural strategies in managing severe behavioural disorders.
Psychological therapies
Suitably modified behavioural and cognitive techniques can be successfully applied to people with learning disability. For example, problems such as wetting and soiling, impulsive behaviour and phobias can be treated by behavioural therapy.
Creative therapies
Activities such as art, music and drama can help a person with learning disability to express themselves.
Life Skills’ courses
These are offered to people, usually in the age range 16 - 25. Most come in three levels with only a pass in the previous level allowing the student to move on to a more advanced course. Here are some examples of skills taught at the various levels.
Level one
Make a hot drink or toast, recognise healthy eating, recognise crockery, make a bed, road safety for pedestrians.
Level two
Make a journey on foot, re-heat a ready made meal with assistance, purchase an item using cash etc.
Level three
Make a journey using public transport, recognise and plan a balanced meal for yourself, etc.
Amended December 2011
