Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability is a diagnosis given when an individual has problems both in intellectual functioning (i.e., ability to learn, reason, make decisions, and solve problems) and adaptive functioning (i.e., the ability to function in everyday activities).
Typically diagnosed before the age of 18, an individual with an intellectual disability may have problems speaking, reading, eating, taking care of themselves, or interacting appropriately with others. People with intellectual disabilities can and do learn new skills, but they learn them more slowly.
Severity of Intellectual Disabilities
An intellectual disability has different severity levels based on the individual's adaptive functioning in the conceptual, social, and practical domains.
✽ Conceptual: Language, reading, writing, math, reasoning, knowledge, memory
✽ Social: Empathy, social judgment, communication skills, the ability to follow the rules and the ability to make and keep friendships
✽ Practical: Independence in areas such as personal care, job responsibilities, managing money, recreation and organizing school and work tasks
| Conceptual Domain | Social Domain | Practical Domain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Preschool children: little to no noticeable conceptual differences. School-age children and adults: difficulties in learning academic skills needed to meet age-related expectations. Adults: impaired abstract thinking, executive function (e.g. planning), and short-term memory and academic skills. | Compared with typically developing age-mates, the individual is immature in social interactions. (E.g. difficulty in accurately perceiving peers’ social cues). Difficulties with emotion and behaviour regulation in an age-appropriate fashion. | Require support in complex daily living tasks in comparison to peers. Adulthood: support involves grocery shopping, transportation, home and child-care organizing, nutritious food preparation, and banking and money management. |
| Moderate | Individual’s conceptual skills lag markedly behind those of peers throughout development. Ongoing assistance is needed to complete conceptual tasks of day-to-day life. and others may take over these responsibilities throughout their lifespan. | Friendships with typically developing peers are often affected by communication or social limitations. Significant social and communicative support is needed in work settings for success. | The individual can care for personal needs involving eating, dressing, elimination, and hygiene as an adult. However, an extended period of teaching and time is needed for the individual to become independent in these areas, and reminders may be needed. |
| Severe | Attainment of concepts is limited (e.g., Money, time, quantity). Caretakers provide extensive support for problem-solving throughout life. | Spoken language is limited in terms of vocabulary and grammar. Speech may be single words or phrases, and communication is focused on the here and now within everyday events. Relationships with family members and familiar others are a source of pleasure. | The individual requires support for all activities of daily living, including meats, dressing, bathing, and elimination. Requires constant supervision. The individual cannot make responsible decisions regarding the well-being of self or others. |
| Profound | Conceptual skills generally involve the physical world rather than symbolic processes. The individual may use objects in a goal-directed fashion for self-care, work, and recreation. Motor and sensory impairments may prevent functional use of objects even if certain visuospatial skills are intact (e.g., can match objects based on physical characteristics seen visually but cannot translate to appropriate use). | The individual has minimal understanding of speech or gesture. He or she may understand some simple instructions or gestures and expresses his or her desires and emotions primarily through nonverbal, non-symbolic communication. The individual enjoys relationships with well-known family members & caretakers primarily. | The individual is dependent on others for all aspects of daily living. Although, individuals without severe physical impairments may assist with some daily work tasks at home, like carrying dishes to the table. Simple actions with objects may be the basis of participation in some vocational activities with high levels of ongoing support. |
Causes of Intellectual Disabilities
- Genetic conditions
- Problems during pregnancy or childbirth
- Illness, injury or infection during development
Treatment for Intellectual Disabilities
Persons with intellectual disabilities can benefit from therapy and early intervention. Treatment includes the judicious use of medicines, behavioural therapy, and occupational therapy. The treatment plans usually investigate addressing sensory issues, improving communication skills, advising on environmental manipulation, changing maladaptive behaviour, and optimizing functional capabilities.
Those who require child or adult care services may consider inclusive preschools, special student care centres, or centre-based, residential, and home care services. Children with intellectual disabilities can also enrol in either Special Education (SPED) schools or mainstream schools, depending on their individual needs.
Adults with intellectual disabilities can participate in programmes to prepare them for working life. There are training and skills-upgrading programmes to help those with disabilities secure jobs.
What Can I Do to Help My Child with Intellectual DIsabilities?
✽ Learn everything you can about intellectual disabilities
✽ Encourage your child’s independence
Let your child try new things and provide guidance when needed and give positive feedback when he/she does something well or master something new.
✽ Get your child involved in group activities
Having opportunities to interact with other peers and individuals can help improve social skills.
✽ Stay involved
Keeping in touch with your child’s teachers, note progress and reinforce what is learnt in school at home.