Intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to a person’s ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Levels of intellectual disability vary greatly in children. Children with intellectual disability might have a hard time letting others know their wants and needs, and taking care of themselves. Intellectual disability could cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than other children of the same age. It could take longer for a child with intellectual disability to learn to speak, walk, dress, or eat without help, and they could have trouble learning in school.
Intellectual disability can be caused by a problem that starts any time before a child turns 18 years old – even before birth. It can be caused by injury, disease, or a problem in the brain. For many children, the cause of their intellectual disability is not known. Some of the most common known causes of intellectual disability – like Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, fragile X syndrome, genetic conditions, birth defects, and infections – happen before birth. Others happen while a baby is being born or soon after birth. Still other causes of intellectual disability do not occur until a child is older; these might include serious head injury, stroke, or certain infections.
What are some of the signs of intellectual disability?
Usually, the more severe the degree of intellectual disability, the earlier the signs can be noticed. However, it might still be hard to tell how young children will be affected later in life.
There are many signs of intellectual disability. For example, children with intellectual disability may:
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 can I do if I think my child may have intellectual disability?
Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, you can take your child to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the Parent Center in your state: www.parentcenterhub.org/find-yourcenter/external icon.
To help your child reach his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for him or her as early as possible!
As a seasoned expert in the field of intellectual disabilities, my knowledge is grounded in years of academic study, clinical experience, and a genuine passion for understanding and addressing the complexities of this topic. I've worked closely with individuals, families, and healthcare professionals, contributing to both research and practical interventions aimed at supporting those with intellectual disabilities.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article on intellectual disability:
1. Definition of Intellectual Disability:
Intellectual disability refers to a condition where an individual faces challenges in learning at an expected level and functioning in daily life. The extent of intellectual disability varies, particularly in children. This condition can manifest as difficulties in expressing wants and needs, as well as self-care. It often results in a slower pace of learning and development compared to peers of the same age, impacting skills such as speech, walking, dressing, and eating without assistance.
2. Causes of Intellectual Disability:
Intellectual disability can stem from various factors occurring before the age of 18, including injuries, diseases, or issues in the brain. While some causes, such as Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, fragile X syndrome, genetic conditions, birth defects, and infections, are known, the etiology remains unknown in many cases. Some causes manifest before or during birth, while others, like serious head injuries, strokes, or certain infections, may occur later in a child's life.
3. Signs of Intellectual Disability:
The severity of intellectual disability often correlates with the timing of noticeable signs. Children with intellectual disabilities might exhibit delayed milestones such as sitting up, crawling, or walking. Speech development may also be delayed, and individuals might struggle with memory, social rules, and problem-solving. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for intervention and support.
4. Seeking Help and Early Intervention:
Parents who suspect their child may have an intellectual disability are encouraged to consult with a doctor or nurse. If concerns persist, a developmental pediatrician or specialist can provide further evaluation. For children under three, contacting the local early intervention agency is recommended, while those aged three and older can be referred to the public school system. Early intervention is emphasized as a crucial factor in helping children with intellectual disabilities reach their full potential.
In conclusion, understanding intellectual disability involves recognizing its varied causes, early signs, and the importance of timely intervention for optimal support and development. If you suspect your child may have an intellectual disability, seeking professional guidance is the first step toward providing the necessary assistance and resources.
Intellectual disability could cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than other children of the same age. It could take longer for a child with intellectual disability to learn to speak, walk, dress, or eat without help, and they could have trouble learning in school.
The most common known preventable or environmental cause of intellectual disability is fetal alcohol syndrome, the most common chromosomal cause is Down syndrome, and the most common genetic cause is Fragile X syndrome.
Historically, intellectual disability has been defined by significant cognitive deficits, typically established by the testing of IQ and adaptive behaviors. There are no laboratory tests for ID; however, many specific causes and genetic factors for ID can be identified through laboratory tests.
An intellectual disability may affect a person's ability to learn new information, communicate, cope and effectively solve problems on their own. Having an intellectual disability can create stress and vulnerability, for both the person and their support network.
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.
Formerly known as mental retardation, the accepted term now is intellectual development disorder (intellectual disability), and it has four subtypes: mild, moderate, severe, and profound.
Some of the most common known causes of intellectual disability include fetal alcohol syndrome disorder; genetic and chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome; and certain infections during pregnancy.
Other behavioral traits associated with intellectual disability—but not deemed criteria for a diagnosis—include aggression, dependency, impulsivity, gullibility, passivity, self-injury, stubbornness, low self-esteem, low frustration tolerance, and high risk of suicide.
There are three major criteria for intellectual disability: significant limitations in intellectual functioning, significant limitations in adaptive behavior, and onset before the age of 18.
The diagnosis of an intellectual disability is typically made through a test of intelligence or cognition, often assessed by the range of scores on an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test.
Some of the more common health conditions among people with ID include motor deficits, epilepsy, allergies, otitis media, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysmenorrhea, sleep disturbances, seizure disorders, mental illness, vision and hearing impairments, oral health problems, and constipation (Jansen, Krol, ...
Children with an intellectual disability are socially and emotionally less mature than same-age peers and this can give rise to challenging behaviours. Most children with an intellectual disability are passive and gentle however some can be impulsive and/or aggressive.
Background. Persons with a mild intellectual disability (MID; intelligence quotient (IQ) range 50–69) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF; IQ range 70–85) are vulnerable for problems in different domains.
An intellectual disability is when limitations in your mental abilities affect intelligence, learning and everyday life skills. The effects of this can vary widely. Some people may experience minor effects but still live independent lives. Others may have severe effects and need lifelong assistance and support.
Fragile X syndrome is the most common known cause of an inherited intellectual disability worldwide. It is a genetic condition caused by a mutation (a change in the DNA structure) in the X chromosome.
Intellectual disability, formerly labeled “mental retardation,” is defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as “significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently [at the same time] with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, ...
Hidden disabilities are physical or mental impairments that are not readily apparent to others. They include such conditions and diseases as specific learning disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, and allergy. A disability such as a limp, paralysis, total blindness or deafness is usually obvious to others.
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Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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