What is Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability (formerly known as mental retardation) refers to problems with cognitive functioning. Intellectual disability (ID) can cause cognitive problems in two areas:

• Intellectual functioning – individuals may experience issues with learning, problem-solving, or judgment
• Adaptive functioning – individuals may have difficulties with the activities of daily life, like communicating with others or taking care of themselves

ID is the most common developmental disability, and occurs in children younger than the age of 18, with many developing before birth.

According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, an individual has an intellectual disability if they meet the following three criteria:

1. IQ is below 70-75
2. There are significant limitations in two or more adaptive areas (the skills they need to take care of themselves and live independently)
3. The condition occurs before the age of 18

While injury or other means can cause the condition after the age of 18, it would then be diagnosed as a neurocognitive disorder.

What Causes Intellectual Disability?

Many cases of ID happen when the mother of the individual is pregnant or soon after giving birth. Examples of these cases include:

• Genetics – someone might inherit certain abnormal genes or there may be genetic errors. Down Syndrome is an example of a common genetic condition that causes intellectual disability
• Complications during pregnancy – a woman who drinks alcohol or catches certain infections during pregnancy may have a baby with ID, or there may simply be problems with the way the baby develops in the womb
• Complications during birth – If there are complications during birth – for example, the baby does not get enough oxygen – then an ID may develop

Intellectual disability can also develop later in childhood. ID beginning in childhood is typically a result of:

• A disease – diseases like whooping cough, measles or meningitis
• Physical problems – extreme malnutrition or not getting necessary medical care
• Toxic exposure – exposure to toxins like lead or mercury

How Do You Treat Intellectual Disability?

There is no cure for ID, but children with ID can learn to do many things, and grow up to live independently in some cases. They just might need a little extra time and support.

The Best Ways You Can Help Someone With an Intellectual Disability:

• Initiate early and ongoing intervention to improve functioning and to give individuals the chance to learn life skills
• Determine their strengths and the supports they will need to function at home, school or work, and in the community
• By looking at both an individual’s unique needs, strengths and challenges, you can work with their doctor to develop a plan to help them to learn the life skills they will need to live independently in adulthood

Support for Intellectual Disability

At WTCSB, we offer several services to support individuals and families living with ID: REACH, ID/DD case management, day support, residential, respite care and mental health counseling.

These programs can help individuals with an intellectual disability live a full life, build relationships, and be included in the community.

You can get started today by making an appointment online for same-day access, or you can call us at 757-758-5106.