Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability refers to significant limitations in a person’s cognitive functioning, learning abilities, and social skills. It is commonly characterized by below-average intellectual capacity and difficulties with everyday life skills, with symptoms typically appearing before the age of 18.

What Is Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability (ID) is a cognitive condition 1 Lee, K., Cascella, M., & Marwaha, R. (2020). Intellectual Disability. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547654/ comprising limited intellectual functioning and impaired adaptive skills. This disorder is associated with impairments in learning, reasoning, communicating, and daily life activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes ID with neuro-developmental disorders that begin in childhood and are characterized by intellectual difficulties.

Intellectual disability can vary widely in severity, ranging from mild to profound impairments. These limitations typically emerge during key developmental stages, especially in childhood or early adolescence. The extent and type of impairment influence an individual’s educational outcomes, employment opportunities, overall well-being, and the level of ongoing support required to ensure optimal daily functioning.

Facts About Intellectual Disability
Facts About Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability Symptoms

The common 2 ‌Boat, T. F., & Wu, J. T. (2015, October 28). Clinical Characteristics of Intellectual Disabilities. Nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK332877/ signs of intellectual disability include:

  • A significant delay in reaching developmental milestones, such as walking and talking.
  • Cognitive difficulties affecting memory, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Communication challenges, including limited vocabulary and poor speech articulation.
  • Difficulties with social interaction and adaptive functioning in everyday activities.
  • Attention deficits, increased distractibility, and frequent irritability.
  • Delayed development of both fine and gross motor skills.
  • Learning disabilities that hinder academic performance and limit future professional opportunities.

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Signs of Intellectual Disability
Signs of Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability In Films

Intellectual disability and its unique challenges find occasional representation in films 3 K, L., M, C., & R, M. (2020, January 1). Intellectual Disability. PubMed. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613434/ .   In the 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Leonardo DiCaprio’s Arnold “Arnie” Grape showcases the stigma surrounding intellectual disability. The  1994 film Forrest Gump shows Tom Hank essay the role of an intellectually disabled man navigating the challenges of life, love, and several professions. The 1999 film The Other Sister follows a young woman’s attempt to overcome her mental disability with determination and ambition.

On a slightly different note, the 1988 Rain Man features Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant with exceptional memory skills. The film, besides highlighting one of the greatest psychiatric marvels of all time, provided insights into the ‘brighter side’ of the spectrum of intellectual abilities.

Different Levels Of Intellectual Disability  

The different levels 4 Vasudevan, P., & Suri, M. (2017). A clinical approach to developmental delay and intellectual disability. Clinical medicine (London, England), 17(6), 558–561. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.17-6-558 in the signs of intellectual disability include:

  • Mild Intellectual Disability: Individuals can acquire practical life skills and typically achieve academic abilities up to a sixth-grade level. With appropriate support, they may live independently or semi-independently as adults.
  • Moderate Intellectual Disability: Individuals require regular assistance with daily living. They can develop basic communication and social skills, but often need support in work and community settings.
  • Severe Intellectual Disability: Communication is significantly limited, and individuals need extensive support with daily activities. They often benefit from consistent professional care and structured environments.
  • Profound Intellectual Disability: Individuals have severely limited cognitive, communication, and adaptive functioning. They require round-the-clock care and support for all aspects of daily life.

Types Of Intellectual Disability

The different 5 No items found – MeSH – NCBI. (n.d.). Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db=mesh&Cmd=DetailsSearch&Term=%22Intellectual+Disability%22%5BMeSH+Terms%5D types of intellectual disability include:

  • Down Syndrome: A chromosomal disorder (trisomy 21) that results in developmental delays, intellectual disability, and distinct physical features.
  • Fragile X Syndrome: A genetic condition caused by a mutation on the X chromosome, leading to intellectual impairment and behavioral difficulties such as anxiety and hyperactivity.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior; intellectual disability may co-occur in some cases.
  • Williams Syndrome: A rare genetic condition characterized by developmental delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and an overly friendly personality.
  • Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder affecting muscle control and movement, which can be accompanied by intellectual disabilities depending on the severity and brain involvement.
  • Rett Syndrome: A rare genetic neurological disorder, primarily affecting females, that causes severe impairments in cognitive, motor, and communication abilities.
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome: A complex genetic condition marked by intellectual challenges, behavioral problems, hypotonia, and chronic overeating leading to obesity.  

What Causes Intellectual Disability? 

The common causes 6 ‌Merckx, N. L. L., & Van Esch, H. (2022). Human Brain Models of Intellectual Disability: Experimental Advances and Novelties. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(12), 6476. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126476 behind the development of the signs of intellectual disability include:

  • Genetic heritability 7 Rustom, H., Hassan Eltorki, Y., Adil Shah Khoodoruth, M., Abdallah, O., Al-Khuzaei, N., Iqbal, N., & Alabdulla, N. (2022). Genetic etiology of adult intellectual disability (ID) of unknown cause in Qatar: a retrospective study. Qatar medical journal, 2022(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2022.26
  • A family history of intellectual and learning disability
  • A family history of mental health disability and disorders
  • Prenatal exposure to trauma, toxins, infections, or drugs during pregnancy.
  • Perinatal complications like Rh isoimmunization, prematurity, and low birth weight.
  • Genetic mutations, particularly chromosomal abnormalities
  • Metabolic disorders like porphyria, diabetes, etc.
  • Malnutrition during critical developmental periods.
  • Traumatic brain injury

Mental Health Impact Of Intellectual Disability 

The impact 8 Banerjee, S., Munshi, A., Li, C., & Ayub, M. (2022). Editorial: Developmental delay and intellectual disability. Frontiers in genetics, 13, 934815. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.934815 of intellectual disability on mental health and daily life functioning is complex and long-lasting. It affects both the intellectually disabled, their caregivers, and people in their immediate surroundings. In most cases, intellectual disability is shown to trigger social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem issues, and substance use disorder.

Equally, societal discrimination and disability stigma may induce inferiority complexes and self-blame in people of all types of intellectual disability. Moreover, caregivers can also find it challenging to cope with the emotional pressure that comes with taking care of a loved one who has special needs.

How Is Intellectual Disability Diagnosed?  

Intellectual disability is diagnosed through a comprehensive multidimensional assessment process 9 Kishore, M. T., Udipi, G. A., & Seshadri, S. P. (2019). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Assessment and Management of intellectual disability. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(Suppl 2), 194–210. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_507_18 in accordance with the DSM-5. This involves assessing a person’s intellectual functioning, communication and social skills, and daily adaptive behaviors from his/her medical and developmental history, educational records, and others including caregivers.

Intellectual functioning is measured by standardized psychometric tests, among which are the intelligence quotient (IQ) test, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. The tests conducted are used to identify certain brain malfunctions, intellectual shortcomings, and comorbid mental health conditions.

Intellectual Disability Treatments

Intellectual disability treatment involves a combination of 10 Bartoshesky, L. E., FACMG1, & Wright, C. (2021). Intellectual Developmental Disabilities:: Definitions, Diagnosis, and Delivery of Care. Delaware journal of public health, 7(2), 6–8. https://doi.org/10.32481/djph.2021.03.004 :

1. Medications

Individuals with severe intellectual disability are often prescribed psychotropic medications (like stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics) to manage the symptoms. Moreover, pharmacotherapy 11 Katz, G., & Lazcano-Ponce, E. (2008). Intellectual disability: definition, etiological factors, classification, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Salud publica de Mexico, 50 Suppl 2, s132–s141. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0036-36342008000800005 is employed to address specific symptoms or comorbid conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or mood disorders associated with intellectual disability.

2. Psychotherapies

The intellectually disabled are often prescribed cognitive and behavioral therapies 12 Picker, J. D., & Walsh, C. A. (2013). New innovations: therapeutic opportunities for intellectual disabilities. Annals of neurology, 74(3), 382–390. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.24002 like:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): A structured therapeutic approach that focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing or disregarding negative or harmful behaviors. It is commonly used to teach new skills and promote functional independence.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An evidence-based intervention that helps individuals identify and modify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. It also focuses on developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
  • Play Therapy: A child-centered therapeutic approach used primarily with intellectually disabled children to enhance communication, emotional expression, and behavioral regulation through play-based techniques.
  • Family Therapy: A collaborative form of group therapy that addresses family dynamics, improves communication, and strengthens the support system surrounding the individual with intellectual disability.

Read More About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Here

Strategies To Enhance Skills Of Individuals With Intellectual Disability

Research 13 Jacob, U. S., Edozie, I. S., & Pillay, J. (2022). Strategies for enhancing social skills of individuals with intellectual disability: A systematic review. Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, 3, 968314. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.968314 attributes a series of skills training 14 O’Handley, R. D., Ford, W. B., Radley, K. C., Helbig, K. A., & Wimberly, J. K. (2016). Social Skills Training for Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: A School-Based Evaluation. Behavior modification, 40(4), 541–567. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445516629938 to help individuals manage their signs of intellectual disability:

  • Speech and Language Therapy: Focuses on improving communication abilities by enhancing both expressive and receptive language skills, addressing speech delays, and promoting clearer articulation.
  • Occupational Therapy: Helps individuals develop daily living skills and improve fine motor coordination, enabling greater independence in personal and routine tasks.
  • Vocational Training: Equips individuals with practical job skills and workplace behaviors essential for gaining employment and achieving a level of independent living.
  • Social Skills Training: Teaches appropriate social behavior, communication techniques, and interpersonal skills to improve relationships and social integration.
  • Group Therapy: Provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, develop self-awareness, and strengthen emotional regulation and coping skills.
  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Special Education Services: Offer customized educational plans and learning strategies tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and limitations of students with intellectual disabilities.
  • Parenting Skills Training: Supports caregivers by teaching effective parenting strategies, behavior management, and communication techniques to foster a nurturing home environment.
  • Community Integration Programs and Support Services: Facilitate access to community resources, promote inclusion, and support the development of social and functional skills necessary for community living.

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Helping Someone Cope With Intellectual Disability   

Consider the following measures 15 Alanazi A. (2021). Developing social skills and self-satisfaction of adults with intellectual disabilities through sports: a parental perspective. International journal of developmental disabilities, 69(5), 717–727. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2021.2012751 for helping someone cope with the signs of intellectual disability:

  • Educate Yourself: Gain accurate knowledge about intellectual disability to better understand the condition and respond appropriately to the individual’s needs.
  • Foster a Non-Judgmental Environment: Create a safe, accepting space that promotes empathy, emotional security, and respect for the individual’s experiences.
  • Promote Open Communication: Encourage honest expression and practice active listening to ensure the individual feels heard and understood.
  • Support Independence: Motivate and assist the individual in developing self-reliance and decision-making skills to enhance their sense of autonomy.
  • Communicate Clearly: Use simple, direct language. Repeat or rephrase instructions when needed to aid understanding.
  • Maintain a Structured Routine: Establish predictable schedules to provide stability, reduce anxiety, and support daily functioning.
  • Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and appreciate both small and significant accomplishments to build confidence and motivation.
  • Allow Adequate Time: Be patient and avoid rushing. Let the individual complete tasks at their own pace within a reasonable time frame.
  • Seek Professional Guidance: Consult specialists and explore holistic, personalized resources to provide the best support for managing the disability.
  • Promote Social Inclusion: Encourage participation in social activities and help foster meaningful, positive relationships within the community.
  • Adapt Activities as Needed: Modify tasks and environments to align with the individual’s strengths, interests, and limitations.
Helping Someone With Intellectual Disability
Helping Someone With Intellectual Disability

Takeaway 

Despite the challenges posed by intellectual disability, it is important to recognize the resilience, potential, and individuality of those affected. With appropriate treatment, informed support, and increased public awareness, we can promote inclusivity and a true sense of belonging for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By fostering understanding and compassion, we not only empower these individuals to lead fulfilling lives but also contribute to a more empathetic and mentally healthy society.

At A Glance 

  1. Intellectual disability (ID) is a cognitive condition characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and challenges in adaptive behaviors necessary for daily life.
  2. Common signs of ID include delays in cognitive and motor development, difficulties with social and life skills, limited speech, and impaired communication abilities.
  3. Intellectual disability can vary in severity and is categorized into several types, ranging from mild to profound, each requiring different levels of support.
  4. Treatment for intellectual disability typically involves a holistic approach, combining psychotherapy, medication, behavioral interventions, and life skills training to support independence and well-being.
  5. We can support individuals with intellectual disability by raising awareness, fostering inclusivity, and cultivating empathy to create a more understanding and compassionate society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I help an intellectually disabled person?

You can help an intellectually disabled person by offering support, understanding, and patience, as well as tailoring assistance to their unique needs and abilities.

2. What do people with intellectual disability struggle with? 

People with intellectual disability may face challenges in learning, problem-solving, and adaptive functioning.

3. At what age is intellectual disability diagnosed? 

All types of intellectual disability are typically diagnosed in childhood, often before the age of 18.

4. What is the life expectancy of a person with intellectual disability? 

The life expectancy of a person with intellectual disability varies, but improvements in healthcare have increased overall longevity.


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