Final answer:
Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome struggle with activities of daily living and self-care skills primarily due to low muscle tone, poor motor skills, cognitive deficits, and behaviors similar to autism spectrum disorder, including impaired social skills and repetitive behaviors. This genetic disorder is characterized by constant hunger leading to obesity and reduced metabolism, along with a range of other cognitive and motor difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) often have difficulty performing ADLs and performing self-care skills such as dressing, bathing, toileting, etc., because of their characteristic low muscle tone and poor motor skills. PWS is a genetic disorder that presents with a range of symptoms due to the loss of function of specific genes on chromosome 15. The most telltale signs are intense, constant hunger that can lead to severe obesity, and reduced rates of metabolism.
The disorder is also associated with cognitive deficits, such as developmental delays, poor judgment, difficulties with planning and executing tasks, and emotional problems. These cognitive aspects of PWS, along with the hypothalamic abnormalities that often result in balance and posture problems, compound the challenges faced by individuals with PWS when it comes to ADLs and self-care.
Additionally, individuals with PWS display behaviors similar to those seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including impaired social skills, repetitive motor behaviors, strict adherence to certain rituals, and preoccupation with specific subjects. Such symptoms further complicate their ability to perform daily tasks. Despite these challenges, advances in psychoactive medications and growth hormones are continuing to improve the quality of life for those with PWS.