Learn About Developmental Disabilities

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas :

• Intellectual functioning (learning, problem-solving, memory, and judgment).
• Adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living).

The intellectual and adaptive deficit begin early in the developmental period.

Some mental health, neurodevelopmental, medical and physical conditions frequently co-occur in individuals with intellectual disability, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, impulse control disorder, and depression and anxiety disorders.

Causes

There are many different causes of intellectual disability. It can be associated with a genetic syndrome, such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. It may develop following an illness such as meningitis, whooping cough or measles; may result from head trauma during childhood; or may result from exposure to toxins such as lead or mercury. Other factors that may contribute to intellectual disability include brain malformation, maternal disease and environmental influences (alcohol, drugs or other toxins). A variety of labor- and delivery-related events, infection during pregnancy and problems at birth, such as not getting enough oxygen, can also contribute. 

Treatment 

Early and ongoing intervention can improve functioning and enable the person to thrive throughout their lifetime.

Many different types of supports and services can help, such as:

• Early intervention (infants and toddlers).
• Special education.
• Vocational programs.
• Day programs for adults. etc