What is Intellectual Disability?
ID is a term used when a person has definite limitations in cognitive functions. The person needs more social and practical skills. However, the affected person has low learning abilities than an average person. It could happen any time before the age of 22 years.
This disability starts anytime. Even it could be started before birth. Down syndrome and genetic conditions are some causes of ID. However, it is not contagious. There is no cure for this disability. But the children can learn many things. So, give them time to learn different things in life.
Is This Disability Common in People?
Want to know how many people have an ID? Approximately 1 – 3 percent of the global population is affected by this disability. It is more common in low-income countries.
What are the Causes and Factors of ID?
There are different factors involved in the development of ID. It can affect cognitive function anytime. At the initial stage, the risk of ID has increased. However, these are some factors that would be a reason for ID.
Genetic
Genetic issues are the most significant cause of ID. This disease could be inherited from family persons. However, abnormal parental development may cause ID. Many people inherit this issue from their parents.
Environmental
During the first trimester, a lady may expose to radiation. Specific issue during pregnancy also causes ID. The woman may feel a high risk of low oxygen and premature delivery.
Physical
The ID can also develop with specific diseases and infections. However, extreme malnutrition and poor medical conditions lead to ID.
Starting Signs of Intellectual Disability
ID is a common syndrome. It will typically start from early childhood. For some people, it could appear in some physical forms. The child might have a large or small head and other physical abnormalities. Hence, you may see some differences in their hands and feet.
Sometimes children with healthy bodies may be affected by ID. Thus, children start to see symbols of ID at an early age. Here are some early signs of ID that parents should look out for:
- Seizures
- Violent behavior
- Difficulty with social skills and speaking.
- Start to walk later than other children.
- Face trouble following simple orders.
- Struggling to learn things.
- Can’t show real emotions.
- Face issues while doing personal care like taking a bath.
How to Identify the Intellectual Disability?
You should follow this criterion for diagnosing ID.
Limited Changed Skills
A person with Intellectual Disability will struggle to learn practical and social skills. Thus, they face difficulty to read, write and communicate. Some valuable things also may occur in abnormal children.
Limited Intellectual Working
A low IQ is a big sign of ID. The person has a test score that is less than 70. However, this condition typically shows before the age of 18. The same research shows about 20-35% of people have ID. They may need help with learning and problem-solving things. Depression is also a cause of this disability. Thus, it is better to do some tests at an early age.
What is the Treatment of ID?
There is no fixed treatment for the ID. However, the child may need proper care. Early intervention is critical to appropriate treatment. Hence, you should diagnose the issue at the initial stage. The early symptoms help to treat this disability properly.
Conclusion
The best treatment of ID is about giving proper support to the person. Of course, it is not a cure for ID. But it helps the children to improve their daily functioning.
Read More: Being Shy is a sign of Autism?