Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
An intellectual disability is aneurodevelopmental conditionthat develops in childhood.
People with this condition experience significant limitations with intellectual functioning and developing adaptive skills like social and life skills.
An IQ test determines whether a person has an intellectual disability.IQ scores lower than 70indicate an intellectual disability.
Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
The severity of the condition can range from mild to profound.
Children with a mild intellectual disability can live a fully functioning life with proper support.
However, children with a severe intellectual disability require more extensive and constant support.
This term is less offensive and communicates the severity of the condition.
Intellectual disability is one of the most commondevelopmental disabilitiesin children.
It’s estimated that around 6.5 million Americans have an intellectual disability.
Types of Intellectual Disabilities
There is a range of conditions typically classified as intellectual disability.
In some cases, these signs might be physical.
However, this isn’t always the case.
Children who appear physically healthy and normal could also have an intellectual disability.
It can be challenging to identify the specific cause of your child’s intellectual disability in some cases.
Several culprits could be responsible for the development of an intellectual disability.
The condition is a lifelong one that will need continuous management.
The key to proper treatment is early intervention.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan once you notice the condition’s early symptoms is crucial.
There is presently no cure for intellectual disability.
The main aim of treatment is to improve the daily functioning of a person with this condition.
Keeping them amongst their peers and exposing them to regular childhood activities is vital for their development.
However, this doesn’t help with the development of their social skills.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).What is an intellectual disability.
2015;11(12):3222-3230. doi:10.1039/c5mb00423c
Cleveland Clinic.Fragile x syndrome: diagnosis, symptoms & treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts About Down Syndrome.
2012;2012:1-13. doi:10.1155/2012/473941
Mukherjee RAS.Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: an overview.Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
2006;99(6):298-302. doi:10.1258/jrsm.99.6.298
MSD Manual Professional Edition.Intellectual disability - pediatrics.
Shree A, Shukla PC.Intellectual Disability: Definition, classification, causes and characteristics.Lear Commun.
2016;7(1):9. doi:10.5958/2231-458X.2016.00002.6
MSD Manual Consumer Version.Intellectual disability - childrens health issues.
