Intellectual disability is not a disease and cannot be cured, however early diagnosis and ongoing interventions can improve adaptive functioning throughout one’s childhood and into adulthood.

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. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child.

Intellectual Disability (ID) (formerly called mental retardation) is the most common developmental disability–nearly 6.5 million people in the United States have some level of ID….Examples of associated disabilities:

• Cerebral palsy.
• Epilepsy.
• Vision impairment.
• Hearing loss.
• Speech and language problems.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are known to occur in patients with intellectual disability and at rates least proportional to the general population but often the developmental disabilities and lack of communication in these patients make it difficult to diagnose and assess the disorder and hence go undetected and …

It is characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning (learning, reasoning) and a lack of skills necessary for daily living (adaptive functioning). Previously, this condition was called mental retardation, a term no longer used. Many people lead productive lives and learn to function on their own.

The most common causes of intellectual disability are:

• Genetic conditions. These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.
• Problems during pregnancy.
• Problems during childbirth.
• Illness or injury.
• None of the above.

Intellectual disability is diagnosed before the age of 18. Most children with intellectual disabilities can learn a great deal and as adults may have partially or even fully independent lives.

Intellectual disability means a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills (impaired intelligence). This results in a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning), and begins before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.

Most cases of severe intellectual disability are not inherited, but are instead the result of random genetic mutations, a new study suggests.

Intellectual disabilities in children cause learning difficulties, social problems, motor skill impairment, and adversely affect ability to perform successfully in daily life. This negatively impacts a child’s ability to learn in a typical educational setting. (Learn about the types of intellectual disability.)

Teaching students with an intellectual disability

1. Using small steps.
2. Modify teaching to be more hands-on.
3. Think visual.
4. Use baby steps.
5. Incorporate more physical learning experiences.
6. Start a feedback book or chart.
7. Encourage music in the classroom.
8. Provide visual stimulus.

Intellectual disability is a life-long condition. However, early and ongoing intervention may improve functioning and enable the person to thrive throughout their lifetime. It may also be influenced by underlying medical or genetic conditions and co-occurring conditions.

An intellectual disability may affect a person’s ability to learn new information, communicate, cope and effectively solve problems on their own. Having an intellectual disability can create stress and vulnerability, for both the person and their support network.

The most common causes of intellectual disability are: Genetic conditions. These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. Problems during pregnancy.