Top Intellectual Disability Articles – Signs, Behavior & More

Intellectual disability is a term that describes below-average intellectual functioning with limitations in mental and physical abilities. In the past, many people referred to intellectual disability as mental retardation. However, in 2010, President Barack Obama signed federal legislation mandating all federal policies related to education, health, and labor use the term intellectual disability rather than mental retardation. ⁽¹⁾ , ⁽²⁾ This shift reflects a wider societal change to view individuals with intellectual disabilities with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Intellectual disabilities begin before adulthood and are typically present when a child is born. ⁽³⁾ Individuals with intellectual disabilities experience delays in learning, speaking, and motor skills such as walking. They often have difficulty providing self-care and exhibit limited social skills.

Developmental delays associated with intellectual disability can make routine tasks such as eating, reading, and telephone use challenging. ⁽⁴⁾ However, the presence of an intellectual disability doesn’t mean an individual can’t develop skills to overcome challenges such as eating independently and taking care of activities of daily living.

The level of an individual’s disability and support determines whether they can develop self-care, social interaction, and independent living skills. With early intervention, special education, and support from their family and others, some people with intellectual disabilities can be independent and productive in their communities. ⁽⁵⁾

What Causes Intellectual Disabilities?

Intellectual disabilities can arise from genetic, environmental, and medical causes. Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome are two of the most common genetic causes. ⁽⁶⁾ , ⁽⁷⁾ A person with Down syndrome has an extra copy of a chromosome, resulting in altered body and brain development.
Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutation of the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. This gene is responsible for a protein known as FMRP, which plays a role in regulating the production of additional proteins. It also facilitates connections between nerve cells. ⁽⁷⁾ Mutations interfere with nervous system function, causing issues like distorted physical features and cognitive impairments.

Exposure to alcohol and illicit substances and infections in utero can also cause intellectual disabilities. ⁽⁸⁾ These situations can affect fetal development, setting intellectual disabilities in motion before birth. However, events that occur during and after birth can also lead to intellectual disabilities, including complications during labor and delivery, childhood accidents, and illness. ⁽⁸⁾

What Are the Symptoms of Intellectual Disabilities?

Parents, caregivers, and clinicians may observe the following in children with intellectual disabilities: ⁽⁹⁾

• Inability to crawl or sit up
• Learning to walk later than peers
• Speech delays and difficulty speaking
• Difficulty thinking and remembering
• Difficulty understanding and following rules

Symptoms depend on the level of disability and individual experiences. The four levels of intellectual disability are mild, moderate, severe, and profound. ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Mild intellectual disabilities may go unnoticed early on, but often manifest in school with individuals experiencing difficulty learning math, reading, and writing, requiring special education strategies to help them learn. Adults with mild intellectual disabilities experience difficulty with abstract thinking and age-appropriate communication and functioning.
• A child with a moderate intellectual disability may be slow to develop pre-academic skills, such as asking questions and matching colors and shapes. Support services can assist with learning skills that enable these individuals to function with some independence or even catch up with their peers.
• A person with a severe intellectual disability often requires assistance with bathing, eating, and dressing. Language may be limited to a few words, and family members and caregivers usually provide ongoing support with daily activities.
• An individual experiencing profound intellectual disability mostly depends on others for direction and care. Limited conceptual thinking and language hinder development beyond simple tasks performed with help from family or caregivers.

Do I Have an Intellectual Disability? How Are They Diagnosed?

The standard method for diagnosing intellectual disability is the intelligence test or cognitive test. Using an intelligence quotient or IQ test, a clinician can measure an individual’s thinking and problem-solving abilities. The average IQ is about 100. Most children with intellectual disabilities score in the range of 55 – 70. ⁽¹¹⁾ Other diagnostic factors include how a child adapts to and interacts with their environment. Evaluating IQ and adaptive skills and comparing the findings with children of similar ages, can help clinicians determine the level of disability. ⁽¹²⁾

Healthcare providers can also diagnose the potential for an intellectual disability before and immediately after birth. During pregnancy, amniocentesis, blood tests, or ultrasound may reveal information to indicate potential disabilities. ⁽¹³⁾ A provider can also order fetal or post-natal blood tests to assess possible intellectual development risks.

What Is the Best Treatment for Intellectual Disabilities?

There is no cure for an intellectual disability. However, identifying developmental delays early and engaging crucial support services can help improve outcomes. Habilitation plans outline treatment at various life stages, such as early childhood, school age, and adulthood. ⁽¹⁴⁾
Individuals with intellectual disabilities benefit from regular healthcare, behavioral therapy, language therapy, special education, and community programs that promote social interaction and self-sufficiency. ⁽¹⁵⁾ Community services, including case management, vocational training, job coaching, and supportive housing, can help adults with intellectual disabilities develop autonomy and stability.

How to Cope With an Intellectual Disabilities Diagnosis

Navigating the environment can be difficult for an individual with an intellectual disability. Parents, caregivers, siblings, and classmates may not fully understand a child’s struggles. This may lead to bullying or exclusionary behavior. ⁽¹⁵⁾ Parents and affected individuals alike can find themselves feeling isolated and managing grief or confusion, but it’s important for them to know they’re not alone and that there’s hope.

One way to cope with an intellectual disability is to learn how those with similar challenges have overcome obstacles. A support group or program for individuals with an intellectual disability and their loved ones is an excellent place to start. ⁽¹⁶⁾ Respite services can provide a break for a person with an intellectual disability and their family. ⁽¹⁷⁾

How to Help Someone With Intellectual Disabilities

Treating an individual with an intellectual disability as a person first, rather than emphasizing differences, helps them feel included and respected. Caregivers and peers should speak in a conversational tone, ask questions clearly, and wait for the answer. Avoid talking down to or yelling at the individual. ⁽¹⁸⁾
Sometimes the individual with an intellectual disability may be blunt in their responses, frustrated, or even angry. ⁽¹⁸⁾ These aren’t reactions to take personally, as it can be difficult for anyone to communicate when they can’t find the words to express their feelings.

Lastly, remember that people with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities can manage many routine tasks with minimal assistance or none at all. Assuming competence encourages individuals with disabilities to use their strengths, and ensuring they know how to ask for help when needed can build self-confidence.