What is an Intellectual Disability?
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 behavior that originates before the age of 22.
It is characterized by:
Intellectual Functioning, or "general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, etc."
Adaptive Behavior, or "the collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that are learned and performed by people in their everyday lives".
Age of Onset, meaning that "the condition originates during the developmental period, which is defined as before the age of 22".
" Intellectual disability is one of several conditions known collectively as developmental disabilities."
Common Intellectual Disabilities
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how individuals interact, communicate, and behave.
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Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
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A genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.
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Fragile X Syndrome
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A genetic condition causing intellectual disability, behavioral learning challenges, and various physical characteristics.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
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A group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior and learning as well as physical problems.
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Mild Intellectual Disability
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People with this severity level usually have a disability that may interfere with learning or complex tasks. However, they can often work around these issues, especially with specialized interventions and assistance earlier in life. They also often work and live independently. About 85% of people with intellectual disability have this level of severity.
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Moderate Intellectual Disability
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People with moderate intellectual disability usually can communicate using simple language. They achieve an education of about an elementary school level. Many can learn to live independently to some degree but will need varying levels of help along the way, such as the kind of support found in a group home.
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Severe Intellectual Disability
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People with severe intellectual disability usually use single words, phrases and/or gestures to communicate. They benefit from daily care and support with activities and daily life.
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Profound Intellectual Disability
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People with this level of intellectual disability usually communicate nonverbally, understanding some gestures and emotional cues. They benefit from 24/7 medical care and support for all activities and aspects of life.
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Quick Facts About Intellectual Disabilities (IDs)
