This document defines intellectual disability and provides information about its symptoms, causes, criteria, levels, limitations and treatment. Intellectual disability is a term used to describe limitations in cognitive functioning and skills that are diagnosed before age 18 and involve an IQ below 70-75 as well as limitations in adaptive behaviors. Causes can include genetic conditions, injuries, diseases or unknown factors. Treatment focuses on behavior therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and in some cases medication.
2. Intellectual Disability
๏ Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term
used when a person has certain
limitations in cognitive functioning and
skills, including communication, social
and self-care skills.
๏ People with intellectual disabilities can
and do learn new skills, but they learn
them more slowly. The term "mental
retardation" is no longer used, as it's
offensive and has a negative tone.
3. IQ (intelligence quotient)
๏ IQ (intelligence quotient) is measured
by an IQ test. The average IQ is 100,
with the majority of people scoring
between 85 and 115. A person is
considered intellectually disabled if
they have an IQ of less than 70 to
75.
4. Symptoms Of Intellectual
Disability
1. Failure to meet intellectual milestones.
2. Sitting, crawling, or walking later than other
children.
3. Problems learning to talk or trouble speaking
clearly.
4. Memory problems and Inability to think logically.
5. Inability to understand the consequences of
actions.
6. Childish behavior inconsistent with the childโs age.
7. Lack of curiosity.
8. Learning difficulties as IQ below 70.
9. Inability to lead a fully independent life due to
challenges communicating, taking care of
5. Behavioral Issues
1. Aggression and dependency.
2. Withdrawal from social activities.
3. Attention-seeking behavior.
4. Depression during adolescent and teen years.
5. Lack of impulse control and passivity.
6. Tendency toward self-injury.
7. Stubbornness and low self-esteem.
8. Low tolerance for frustration.
9. Psychotic disorders and difficulty paying
attention.
10. Some people with ID may also have specific
physical characteristics. These can include
having a short stature or facial abnormalities.
6. Intellectual Disability Criteria
๏ According to the American Association of
Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities, an individual has intellectual
disability if he or she meets three
criteria:
๏ IQ is below 70-75.
๏ There are significant limitations in two or
more adaptive areas (skills that are
needed to live, work, and play in the
community, such as communication or
self-care).
๏ The condition manifests itself before the
age of 18.
7. Causes Of Intellectual
Disability
๏ Intellectual disability formerly known as
mental retardation can be caused by injury,
disease, or a problem in the brain. For many
children, the cause of their intellectual
disability is unknown.
๏ Some causes of intellectual disability such as
Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome,
Fragile X syndrome, birth defects, and
infections can happen before birth. Some
happen while a baby is being born or soon
after birth.
๏ Other causes of intellectual disability do not
occur until a child is older; these might
include severe head injury, infections or
10. Levels Of Intellectual Disability
๏ Other Intellectual Disability
People in this category are often physically
impaired, have hearing loss, are
nonverbal, or have a physical disability.
These factors may prevent your childโs
doctor from conducting screening tests.
๏ Unspecified Intellectual Disability
If your child has an unspecified ID, they
will show symptoms of ID, but their
doctor doesnโt have enough information
to determine their level of disability.
11. Limitations OF Intellectual
Disability
๏ Someone with intellectual disability has
limitations in two areas. These areas are:
1. Intellectual functioning. Also known
as IQ, this refers to a personโs ability to
learn, reason, make decisions, and
solve problems.
2. Adaptive behaviors. These are skills
necessary for day-to-day life, such as
being able to communicate effectively,
interact with others, and take care of
oneself.