An intellectual disability—formerly known as mental retardation—can be caused by a disease, an injury, or genetic factors. Intellectual disabilities affect cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior and are typically identified before a person turns 18. If you suspect your child has an intellectual disability, they must receive an evaluation to assess the type of disability, determine treatment options, and provide your child access to support services.
What is an Intellectual Disability (ID)?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, an intellectual disability (ID) refers to neurodevelopmental conditions that affect two distinct areas:
- Cognitive functioning, such as learning, problem-solving, and judgment.
- Adaptive functioning and daily life activities, such as communication and social skills.
What are the causes of Intellectual Disability?
Intellectual disabilities (IDs) can occur before birth, while a baby is born, or soon after birth. Other IDs occur later in a child’s life due to an accident or injury that causes significant damage to the brain.
Many causes can be identified, which include:
- Genetic conditions. Abnormal genes are inherited from the parents or abnormalities when genes combine. These types of intellectual disabilities include Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Complications during pregnancy. IDs can result when there are problems with a baby’s development in utero.
- Problems during birth. Complications during labor and birth, such as a baby being deprived of too much oxygen, may cause an ID.
- Diseases or toxic exposure. If a child is exposed to diseases like whooping cough, measles, or meningitis or poisons like lead or mercury.
- Traumatic brain injuries. A child suffers a severe accident or injury that causes significant damage to the brain.
How is Intellectual Disability diagnosed?
To diagnose an ID, a multidisciplinary team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess the child’s mental abilities and adaptive skills. An IQ test is administered to determine the level of intellectual functioning. Children scoring between 70 and 75 or lower are typically identified as having an intellectual disability.
What are the levels of Intellectual Disability?
Four categories are identified to describe the severity of the ID. These designations are needed because aspects of a mild to moderate intellectual disability can drastically differ from a severe to profound intellectual disability. The severity of the ID is determined by the results of the child’s assessed adaptive skills and the IQ test score.
The levels include:
- Mild: IQ score, 52-70
- Moderate: IQ score, 36-51
- Severe: IQ score, 20-35
- Profound: IQ score, 19 or below
What services and supports are available for individuals with Intellectual Disability?
Most people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) require support in their formative years and throughout their lives.
People with IDs are eligible to receive services from multiple agencies, which can include:
- Special Education services at school
- Medicaid waivers and assistance
- Social Security Administration benefits
- Residential Care and Supported Living
- Respite Care for family members
- Community-based assistance and resources
Can individuals with Intellectual Disability live independently?
Yes! Living independently doesn’t mean a person with an ID must do everything independently and live independently. Independent living is linked to individuals’ ability to exercise choice and autonomy and self-advocate their needs. People with intellectual disabilities can learn to do many things independently, given the proper education and accommodations.
For example, some people with IDs may live with family members who occasionally assist with higher-functioning tasks. Others may reside in group homes or other facilities where staff is available daily to assist with basic life skills such as meals, self-care, or mobility.
What is the prevalence of Intellectual Disability?
Approximately 1% of the population has an ID, and of those, 85% have a mild intellectual disability. In the United States, it’s estimated that 6.5 million people have an ID.
Are there any preventive measures for Intellectual Disability?
While some IDs can’t be prevented due to their genetic origins, there are many ways to help reduce the risk of your child acquiring an intellectual disability, including:
- Child Immunizations
- Injury prevention: bicycle helmets, car seats, and seat belts; swimming pool locks and supervision; locks on upper-level windows
- Toxin prevention: protect against lead and mercury poisoning
- Avoid alcohol or drugs during pregnancy
How does Intellectual Disability differ from other developmental disorders?
A developmental disorder or developmental disability is an umbrella term that includes intellectual disabilities (IDs). Developmental Disabilities cover an extensive range of conditions that impact not only intellectual functions but also physical, cognitive, and emotional development. IDs predominantly center on limitations related to intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors.
What is the life expectancy of individuals with Intellectual Disability?
Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) can live long and healthy lives, and their life expectancy is similar to that of the general population. For people with severe or profound IDs, their lifespans can range from 50 to 60 years old. According to one study, the number of adults with IDs aged 60 years and older is projected to nearly double from 641,860 in 2000 to 1.2 million by 2030.
Treatment for Developmental Disorders with Roman Empire Agency
If you have concerns about your child’s development, Roman Empire Agency offers comprehensive support and tailored treatment plans to help your child thrive.
We aim to support your child’s ongoing development through a personalized approach, helping them achieve their full potential now and into adulthood.
If you’d like to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your child, contact us today!
