Overview Show
If your child has an intellectual disability (ID), their brain hasn’t developed properly or has been injured in some way. Their brain may also not function within the normal range of both intellectual and adaptive functioning. In the past, medical professionals called this condition “mental retardation.” There are four levels of ID:
Sometimes, ID may be classified as:
ID involves both a low IQ and problems adjusting to everyday life. There may also be learning, speech, social, and physical disabilities. Severe cases of ID may be diagnosed soon after birth. However, you might not realize your child has a milder form of ID until they fail to meet common developmental goals. Almost all cases of ID are diagnosed by the time a child reaches 18 years of age. Symptoms of ID will vary based on your child’s level of disability and may include:
If your child has ID, they may experience some of the following behavioral issues:
Some people with ID may also have specific physical characteristics. These can include having a short stature or facial abnormalities. ID is divided into four levels, based on your child’s IQ and degree of social adjustment. Mild intellectual disabilitySome of the symptoms of mild intellectual disability include:
Moderate intellectual disabilityIf your child has moderate ID, they may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
Severe intellectual disabilitySymptoms of severe ID include:
Profound intellectual disabilitySymptoms of profound ID include:
Other intellectual disabilityPeople in this category are often physically impaired, have hearing loss, are nonverbal, or have a physical disability. These factors may prevent your child’s doctor from conducting screening tests. Unspecified intellectual disabilityIf your child has an unspecified ID, they will show symptoms of ID, but their doctor doesn’t have enough information to determine their level of disability. Doctors can’t always identify a specific cause of ID, but causes of ID can include:
To be diagnosed with ID, your child must have below-average intellectual and adaptive skills. Your child’s doctor will perform a three-part evaluation that includes:
Your child will be given standard intelligence tests, such as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test. This will help the doctor determine your child’s IQ. The doctor may also administer other tests such as the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. This test provides an assessment of your child’s daily living skills and social abilities, compared to other children in the same age group. It’s important to remember that children from different cultures and socioeconomic statuses may perform differently on these tests. To form a diagnosis, your child’s doctor will consider the test results, interviews with you, and observations of your child. Your child’s evaluation process might include visits to specialists, who may include a:
Laboratory and imaging tests may also be performed. These can help your child’s doctor detect metabolic and genetic disorders, as well as structural problems with your child’s brain. Other conditions, such as hearing loss, learning disorders, neurological disorders, and emotional problems can also cause delayed development. Your child’s doctor should rule these conditions out before diagnosing your child with ID. You, your child’s school, and your doctor will use the results of these tests and evaluations to develop a treatment and education plan for your child. Your child will probably need ongoing counseling to help them cope with their disability. You will get a family service plan that describes your child’s needs. The plan will also detail the services that your child will need to help them with normal development. Your family needs will also be addressed in the plan. When your child is ready to attend school, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be put in place to help them with their educational needs. All children with ID benefit from special education. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that public schools provide free and appropriate education to children with ID and other developmental disabilities. The main goal of treatment is to help your child reach their full potential in terms of:
Treatment may include:
When ID occurs with other serious physical problems, your child may have a below-average life expectancy. However, if your child has mild to moderate ID, they will probably have a fairly normal life expectancy. When your child grows up, they may be able to work a job that complements their level of ID, live independently, and support themselves. Support services are available to help adults with ID live independent and fulfilling lives. What are characteristics of a person with intellectual disabilities?What are some of the signs of intellectual disability?. sit up, crawl, or walk later than other children.. learn to talk later, or have trouble speaking.. find it hard to remember things.. have trouble understanding social rules.. have trouble seeing the results of their actions.. have trouble solving problems.. What are the 3 major components of intellectual disability?Intellectual disability is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that originates before the age of 22.. Intellectual Functioning. ... . Adaptive Behavior. ... . Age of Onset.. What are the four factors of intellectual disability?Causes of intellectual disability can include:. Infections (present at birth or occurring after birth). Chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome). Environmental.. Metabolic (such as hyperbilirubinemia, or very high bilirubin levels in babies). Nutritional (such as malnutrition). Which of the following is used to define intellectual disabilities?Intellectual disability is characterized by below-average Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and impairments in adaptive daily life skills. The disorder occurs before the age of 18 years.
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