Intellectual DisabilityIntellectual disability is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that originates before the age of 22. Show
Intellectual FunctioningIntellectual functioning—also called intelligence—refers to general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, and so on. One way to measure intellectual functioning is an IQ test. Generally, an IQ test score of around 70 or as high as 75 indicates a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. Adaptive BehaviorAdaptive behavior is the collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that are learned and performed by people in their everyday lives.
Age of OnsetThe condition originates during the developmental period, which is defined as before the age of 22. Intellectual disability is one of several conditions known collectively as developmental disabilities. Intellectual Disability: Definition, Diagnosis, Classification, and Systems of Supports, 12th EditionDiagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale (DABS)Additional ConsiderationsAAIDD stresses that additional factors must be taken into account when assessing intellectual disability, such as the community environment typical of the individual’s peers and culture. Professionals should also consider linguistic diversity and cultural differences in the way people communicate, move, and behave. Finally, assessments must also assume that limitations often coexist with strengths in a person, and that an individual's level of life functioning will improve if appropriate, personalized supports are provided over a sustained period. Only after a comprehensive evaluations can a clinician determine whether an person has intellectual disability and can professionals tailor effective individualized support plans. Intellectual disability causes significant limitations to a person’s intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Intellectual disability is also sometimes known as cognitive disability. An outdated and now offensive term for this condition was “mental retardation.” Read on to learn more about the definition of intellectual disability, its common causes, its symptoms, and some tips for parents and caregivers. This article also covers diagnosis, treatment, and management. Intellectual disability occurs when a person has difficulty with general mental abilities. This may impact their:
According to the American Psychiatric Association, 1% of the population have intellectual disability. Around 85% of these people have mild cases. In the United States, intellectual disability affects around 1 in 10 families. Males are more likely to receive a diagnosis of intellectual disability. In many cases, the precise cause of intellectual disability is unknown. Typically, however, the condition develops due to injury, disease, or certain brain conditions. Any condition that impacts the brain and begins before the age of 18 years, even before birth, can cause intellectual disability. However, intellectual disability can also develop later in childhood or adolescence due to conditions that cause brain damage. Some common causes of intellectual disability include:
People with more severe forms of intellectual disability usually experience more severe symptoms that are noticeable at a young age. There are a variety of signs and symptoms that a person with intellectual disability might experience. Generally, people with this condition tend to take longer to learn and develop intellectually than other people. They also tend to have difficulty with adaptive behaviors. Adaptive behaviors are the conceptual, social, and practical skills that people learn and use in everyday life to function. Some common symptoms of intellectual disability include:
In most cases, the symptoms of intellectual disability start in early childhood or adolescence. In particular, difficulty with language and motor skills may occur by the age of 2 years. People with mild intellectual disability may not show any obvious signs until they begin to have difficulty with schoolwork. To diagnose intellectual disability, a doctor will perform several tests to assess the person’s intellectual and adaptive functioning. These tests may include:
Intellectual disability tends to develop and cause noticeable symptoms before the age of 18 years. Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition. Although there is currently no cure, most people can learn to improve their functioning over time. Receiving early, ongoing interventions can often improve functioning, thereby allowing someone to thrive. Most treatment plans for intellectual disability focus on the person’s:
Many services exist to help people with intellectual disability and their families get the support they need. Most of these services allow someone with intellectual disability to function normally in society. Someone’s diagnosis typically determines which services and protection of rights, such as special education or home or community services, they are eligible to receive under federal or national law. It also usually helps determine which supportive services they may need. Supportive services include:
Family members, caregivers, friends, co-workers, and community members can also provide additional support to people with intellectual disability. With proper support and treatment, most people with intellectual disability are capable of achieving successful, production roles in their communities. However, how well someone is able to cope and function with intellectual disability is also dependent on the severity of their condition and any other underlying genetic or medical conditions they have. Parents and caregivers who think that their child may have intellectual disability should talk with their child’s doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Receiving early, ongoing intervention is very important in ensuring that someone with this condition can reach their full potential. If the doctor suspects intellectual disability or the child continues to experience symptoms, they should visit a pediatrician who specializes in diagnosing developmental conditions. To find local specialists, click here. Other tips for parents and caregivers include the following:
People with intellectual disability have varying limits to their ability to learn and function in society, and they often learn slower than others. However, receiving early, ongoing treatment in the form of supportive services can often help people with intellectual disability function normally or independently. Contact a doctor as soon as possible if a child has any signs or symptoms of intellectual disability. What is the old term for intellectual disability?The term “intellectual disability” is gradually replacing the term “mental retardation” nationwide.
What is another term for intellectual disability or mental retardation?Mental retardation is commonly referred to as a developmental disability.
When was mental retardation changed to intellectual disability in the DSM?Instead, these terms were replaced with "intellectual disability" and "individual with an intellectual disability." The most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, APA, 2013) adopted the term intellectual disability. It replaced the older term mental retardation.
Is learning disability Another term for intellectual disorder?An intellectual disability is not the same as a learning disability, and these two terms have very different meanings. An intellectual disability refers to when someone has a developmental disorder such as autism, whereas a learning disability is referring to when someone has a learning disorder like dyslexia.
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