Ravina Sewani

Dr Chintan Solanki

Intellectual disability (ID), previously known as mental retardation is characterised by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. Children with ID can learn new skills but at a slower pace than children without ID. There are varying degrees of intellectual disability, from mild to profound. Intellectual disability affects mental abilities in two areas:<ul><li>Intellectual functioning (such as learning, problem solving, judgement)</li><li>Adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living)</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Achieving milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking later than children without ID</li><li>Talking late or having trouble with talking</li><li>Slowly mastering things like potty training, dressing, and feeding themselves</li><li>Difficulty remembering things</li><li>Inability to connect actions with consequences</li><li>Behaviour problems such as frequent tantrums</li><li>Trouble with problem-solving or logical thinking</li></ul> Causes:<ul><li>Genetic syndrome such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome</li><li>Head trauma</li><li>Exposure to toxins such as lead or mercury</li><li>Premature birth</li><li>Severely malnourished child</li><li>Brain malformation</li><li>Maternal diseases</li><li>Environmental influences (alcohol, drugs or other toxins)</li><li>Problems during delivery</li></ul> Diagnosis:Intellectual disability is identified by problems in both intellectual and adaptive functioning. Intellectual functioning is usually assessed with an exam by a doctor. A full-scale IQ test might be suggested by your child’s doctor as part of a standard diagnosing procedure. However, the IQ score should not be the only basis of confirming intellectual disability of a child. Once the IQ tests hint towards intellectual disability, your child’s doctor might suggest further genetic tests to determine the cause of intellectual disability. During the diagnosis, three areas of adaptive functioning are considered:<ul><li>Conceptual – language, reading, writing, maths, reasoning, knowledge, memory</li><li>Social – empathy, social judgement, communication skills, ability to follow rules and the ability to make and keep friendships</li><li>Practical – independence in areas such as personal care</li><li>Adaptive functioning is assessed through interviews with family members, teachers and caregivers.</li><li>Intellectual disability can be mild, moderate or severe. Delays in language or motor skills may be seen by age two. However, mild levels of intellectual disability may not be identified until school age when a child may have difficulty with academics. In general, the milder the intellectual disability, the later it’s diagnosed.</li></ul> Treatment:<ul><li>Intellectual disability is a life-long condition and cannot be treated or prevented. However, early and ongoing intervention may improve functioning and enable the person to thrive throughout their lifetime.</li><li>After the diagnosis, the focus then shifts to looking at the child’s strengths and needs, and the supports he or she needs to function at home, in school/work and in the community.</li></ul> Tips for parents:<ul><li>Learn about your child’s disability.</li><li>Connect with other parents of children with disabilities.</li><li>Be patient and accept that your child will learn things slowly compared to other children.</li><li>Encourage independence and responsibility.</li><li>Look for opportunities in your community for social, recreational and sports activities.</li></ul> Prevention: Intellectual Disability cannot be prevented. FAQS about Intellectual Disability:What is intellectual disability?Intellectual Disability is also known as "Mental Retardation". It is a congenital disorder in which the child is born with low intelligence (low IQ – less than 70). Parents can observe a delay in milestone achievement of an intellectually disabled child in comparison to their sibling(s) or other children. Intellectual Disability includes deficit in intellectual functions, such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic learning, and learning from experience. Can IQ be increased with anything?Not at all. IQ can never be increased as it is a birth defect. Can a child with low IQ study in a normal school?Children with low IQ should be taught in a special school as different interventions and different approaches are needed to teach such children. If the parents are very hard-working, a child with mild intellectual disability can be sent to a normal school. From where I can do check the IQ of my child?You can consult a clinical psychologist for the IQ assessment of your child. Can a child with low IQ live a normal life?Only a child with mild intellectual disability may live a normal life if trained well. Otherwise, children with low IQ are always dependent on others for their basic needs of life.

Here are Intellectual Disability Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, FAQs, and Prevention.

frequently asked question of intellectual disability

Awareness is the first and the most important step in any disease prevention. Read article to know about Intellectual Disability (ID) in children.

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