Intellectual disability

Clinic

• Intellectual disability (ID) = General learning disability = Mental retardation
• It is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning.
• It is defined by an IQ under 70, in addition to deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors that affect everyday, general living.
• Intellectual functions are defined under DSM-V as reasoning, problem‑solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and learning from instruction and experience, and practical understanding confirmed by both clinical assessment and standardized tests.
• Adaptive behavior is defined in terms of conceptual, social, and practical skills involving tasks performed by people in their everyday lives.
• ID is subdivided into syndromic intellectual disability, in which intellectual deficits associated with other medical and behavioral signs and symptoms are present, and non-syndromic intellectual disability, in which intellectual deficits appear without other abnormalities. Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome are examples of syndromic intellectual disabilities.

Signs / Symptoms

Intellectual disability (ID) becomes apparent during childhood and involves deficits in mental abilities, social skills, and core activities of daily living (ADLs) when compared to same-aged peers. There often are no physical signs of mild forms of ID, although there may be characteristic physical traits when it is associated with a genetic disorder (e.g., Down syndrome).

The level of impairment ranges in severity for each person. Some of the early signs can include:

• Delays in reaching, or failure to achieve milestones in motor skills development (sitting, crawling, walking)
• Slowness learning to talk, or continued difficulties with speech and language skills after starting to talk
• Difficulty with self-help and self-care skills (e.g., getting dressed, washing, and feeding themselves)
• Poor planning or problem-solving abilities
• Behavioral and social problems
• Failure to grow intellectually, or continued infant childlike behavior
• Problems keeping up in school
• Failure to adapt or adjust to new situations
• Difficulty understanding and following social rules