Intellectual Disability in Children

Intellectual Disability in Children

• Intellectual disability describes below-average IQ and a lack of skills needed for daily living.
• Intellectual disability used to be called "mental retardation."

Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability

• Diagnosis is done by assessing both intellectual functioning (IQ) and adaptive behaviors.
• IQ is measured by an IQ test, with an average IQ of 100; a person is considered intellectually disabled if they have an IQ of less than 70 to 75.
• Adaptive behaviors are measured by observing skills such as feeding, dressing, communication, and interaction with others.

Causes of Intellectual Disability

• Genetic conditions, such as Fragile X syndrome, are a common cause of inherited intellectual disability.
• Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
• Down Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome or an extra piece of a chromosome (chromosome 21).
• Problems during pregnancy, such as drug abuse, malnutrition, or infections, can interfere with fetal brain development.
• Problems during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or prematurity, can cause intellectual disability.
• Illness or injury, such as meningitis, rubella, or severe head injury, can also cause intellectual disability.
• Shaken baby syndrome is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler.

Signs and Symptoms of Intellectual Disability in Children

• Mild intellectual disability: IQ range of 50 to 69, 85% of ID cases, able to live independently with minimal support.
• Moderate intellectual disability: IQ range of 36 to 49, occur in 10% of ID cases, able to live independently with moderate support.
• Severe intellectual disability: IQ range of 20 to 35, occur in 3.5% of ID cases, requires regular supervision for safety and daily self-care assistance.

Management of Intellectual Disability in Children

• Early intervention programs include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, family counseling, and training with special assistive devices.

Parents' Role in Helping Children with Intellectual Disability

• Learn everything regarding the child's condition.
• Encourage child's independence and provide guidance when needed.
• Provide positive feedback when the child does something well or masters something new.
• Get the child involved in group activities to build social skills.
• Stay involved with the child's teachers to follow progress and reinforce learning at home.
• Connect with other parents of intellectually disabled children for advice and emotional support.