INTELLECTUAL
DISABILITIES
Introduction
According to the American Association on Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities,
"Intellectual disability is a condition characterized by
significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and
adaptive behaviour that originates before the age of 22."
It is diagnosed through standardized tests of intelligence
and adaptive behaviour.
This paper focuses on the history, forms, signs, and
treatment of intellectual disability.
Historical Background
In ancient and medieval periods, intellectual disability
was often attributed to supernatural causes.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, philosophers like
Jean1Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant viewed it
as a natural phenomenon.
Later, intelligence testing and IQ scores became widely
used. Educators such as Jean1Marc1Gaspard Itard,
Édouard Séguin, and Maria Montessori developed
educational methods.
Classification of Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability can be classified into four levels based on IQ measurements:
1. Mild 2. Moderate
IQ 52369 IQ 36351
3. Severe 4. Profound
IQ 20335 IQ 19 or below
Mild & Moderate Intellectual Disability
Mild Moderate
Develop social and communication skills but Learn self1help skills and basic
may face academic difficulty. communication.
Need guidance in complex tasks such as Can progress to elementary level with
money management and planning. support.
Require supervision in daily tasks like
scheduling and money management.
Severe & Profound
Intellectual Disability
Severe Profound
Learn some self1help and Require continuous care and
basic communication skills. support due to severe
Limited understanding of cognitive limitations.
language, numbers, and time. Often associated with sensory
Require high levels of and physical impairments.
supervision.
Identification &
Characteristics
Most children with mild intellectual disability look similar
to other children.
Some may show physical characteristics such as:
" Head size either larger or smaller than average
" Slanting eyes, narrow forehead, protruding tongue
(commonly seen in Down syndrome)
Developmental Characteristics
Delayed milestone development Impaired cognitive abilities Poor motor development
Delayed milestone development Impaired cognitive abilities Poor motor development such as
compared to children of the causing difficulty in attention, delayed sitting, walking, running,
same age. learning, memory, and problem and difficulty with fine and gross
solving. motor skills.
Social & Language Difficulties
Delayed language development is common in children with
intellectual disability.
Individuals may have difficulty making friends, playing with
others, and may show lack of social skills or impulsive
behaviour.
Other characteristics:
" Difficulty in personal care
" Lack of self1direction
" Inadequate health and safety skills
" Lack of motivation
Causes of Intellectual Disability
Genetic factors Environmental factors
Defective genes transmitted from parents. Prenatal 3 infections, radiation, poor nutrition.
Example: Down syndrome. Perinatal 3 prolonged labour, birth trauma,
umbilical cord problems.
Postnatal 3 malnutrition, infections, head
injuries.
Management & Conclusion
Management programs aim to improve adaptability and
functioning.
Education and training improve grooming, social
behaviour, communication, and academic skills.
Vocational training helps individuals become
independent.
Special education and inclusion programs support
learning in schools.
Early identification and support help ensure well1being
and social integration.