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By Bob Cunningham, EdMQuestion: What’s the difference between a learning disability and an intellectual disability?Answer: In the U.S. these terms have very different meanings. An intellectual disability describes below-average and a lack of skills needed for daily living. This condition used to be called “mental retardation.” A refers to weaknesses in certain academic skills. Reading, writing and math are the main ones. Several causes need to be ruled out for a child to be identified with this type of disability. Her learning challenges can’t be caused by low intelligence. Problems with hearing or vision also need to be ruled out. The same goes for a lack of educational opportunity. One way parents can get confused between the two is by searching online. That’s because the British call learning disabilities “learning difficulties.” And they call intellectual disabilities “learning disabilities.” (My advice? Make sure you know which side of the pond you’re surfing!) Both types of disabilities affect learning. And both are covered by special education law. But they’re not the same thing. This is one of the most common misconceptions about learning disabilities in the U.S. Tell us what interests youShareAbout the authorAbout the authorBob Cunningham, EdM serves as executive director of learning development at Understood. Copyright © 2014-2022 Understood For All Inc. There are many kinds of intellectual disabilities—and many causes. Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability. What Is an Intellectual Disability? Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability. According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, an individual has ID if he or she meets three criteria:
How Does an Intellectual Disability Happen? Some causes of ID—such as Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, birth defects, and infections—can happen before birth. Some happen while a baby is being born or soon after birth. Other causes of ID do not occur until a child is older; these might include severe head injury, infections or stroke. Watch the video: What is an Intellectual Disability? Learn More about Intellectual Disabilities
What Are the Most Common Causes? Genetic conditions. Sometimes an intellectual disability is caused by abnormal genes inherited from parents, errors when genes combine, or other reasons. Examples of genetic conditions are Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and phenylketonuria (PKU). Complications during pregnancy. An intellectual disability can result when the baby does not develop inside the mother properly. For example, there may be a problem with the way the baby’s cells divide. A woman who drinks alcohol or gets an infection like rubella during pregnancy may also have a baby with an intellectual disability. Problems during birth. If there are complications during labor and birth, such as a baby not getting enough oxygen, he or she may have an intellectual disability. Diseases or toxic exposure. Diseases like whooping cough, the measles, or meningitis can cause ID. They can also be caused by extreme malnutrition, not getting appropriate medical care, or by being exposed to poisons like lead or mercury. We know that ID is not contagious: you can’t catch an intellectual disability from anyone else. We also know it’s not a type of mental illness, like depression. There are no cures for ID. However, children with ID can learn to do many things. They may just need take more time or learn differently than other children. How Common Are Intellectual Disabilities? Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability. Approximately 1 – 3 percent of the global population has an intellectual disability—as many as 200 million people. Intellectual disability is significantly more common in low-income countries—16.41 in every 1,000 people. Disabilities overall are more common in low-income countries. The United Nations Development Program estimates that 80 percent of all people with disabilities live in low-income countries. While people with disabilities represent approximately one in 10 people worldwide, they are one in every five of the world’s poorest people. Sources: American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities; the United Nations Development Program; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Is intellectual disability a type of developmental disability?Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability. What Is an Intellectual Disability? Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care skills.
What is the difference between developmental delay and intellectual disability?Developmental delay (DD) is defined as any significant lag in a child's physical, cognitive, emotional, or social maturity. Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by broad impairment in cognitive and adaptive functioning, typically with an intelligence quotient (IQ) <70 diagnosed before 18 years of age.
What are some intellectual and developmental disabilities?List of Potential Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities:. Apert Syndrome.. Autism.. Cerebral Palsy.. Developmental Delay.. Developmental Hearing Loss.. Down Syndrome.. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.. What is the difference between intellectual disability?An intellectual disability describes below-average IQ and a lack of skills needed for daily living. This condition used to be called “mental retardation.” A learning disability refers to weaknesses in certain academic skills. Reading, writing and math are the main ones.
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