Intellectual disability limits a person’s ability to learn and do their daily activities.
It is classified based on its severity:
Symptoms of intellectual disability are broad and differ from person to person. For some people, the first signs appear before age two with abnormalities such as:
For some children with intellectual disability, signs do not appear until they start to struggle in school.
There are many different causes of intellectual disability. The three most frequent are Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome are inherited genetic disorders.
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome occurs when a baby is exposed to alcohol while in the mother’s womb. Exposure to tobacco or drugs during the pregnancy also carries risk.
Intellectual disability can occur because of an illness or infection, such as meningitis. It can also occur as a result of head trauma or near drowning experience.
Problems during birth may also contribute to developing intellectual disability. The cause is unknown in many cases.
Intellectual disability is more common in males than females. Mild intellectual disability is more common than profound intellectual disability.
There is no one test that diagnoses intellectual disability. The diagnosis is made by putting the results of several tests together and into context. The tests fall into two large categories:
The clinician may also speak with the child’s parents and teachers.
Intellectual disability is lifelong and cannot be cured. However, many people with this condition live full lives with help such as:
Treatment can also include medication for underlying causes or medical conditions. Sometimes, a special diet is required.
There are several complications which can occur in people with intellectual disability, including:
People with intellectual disabilities are vulnerable persons. They are at higher-than-average risk of:
In order to help a child reach their full potential, it is important for parents to seek help for them as early as possible in order to live a fulfilling life.