Intellectual disabilities

Intellectual disabilities are a group of disorders characterized by a limited mental capacity and difficulty with adaptive behaviors such as managing money, schedules and routines, or social interactions. Intellectual disabilities occur in children under the age of 18.

Causes

Intellectual disabilities can be caused by any condition that impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth or in the childhood years. Several hundred causes have been discovered, but in about one-third of the people affected, the cause remains unknown. The three major known causes of intellectual disability are Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Fragile X syndrome.

Symptoms

The symptoms of intellectual disabilities can vary widely from person to person. Some people with intellectual disabilities may have trouble speaking, find it hard to remember things, not understand how to pay for things, or have trouble understanding social rules.

Diagnosis

Intellectual disabilities are diagnosed by looking at two main things. These are the person’s mental abilities and how well the person functions in their daily life. The diagnosis is usually made after the person takes a test that measures these things.

Treatment

There is no cure for intellectual disabilities. However, most people with these disabilities can learn to do many things. There are supports and tools that can help. Many people with intellectual disabilities can live meaningful lives in their communities.

See also

• Down syndrome
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• Fragile X syndrome

References

Intellectual disabilities Resources
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