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Help With Intellectual Disability

Curated and updated for the community by APA

Topic Information

Intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas:

  • intellectual functioning (such as learning, reasoning)
  • adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living)

Intellectual disability affects about one percent of the population, and of those about 85 percent have mild intellectual disability.

See definition, symptoms, & treatment

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ARC for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

I have heard the terms intellectual disability and developmental disability. Are they the same?

These terms are not the same, though there is some overlap. Developmental disability is a broad category that includes intellectual disability (ID) as well as autism spectrum disorder and other developmental diagnoses. Intellectual disability refers to people whose cognitive ability and adaptive functioning are significantly below average. People with autism spectrum disorder have difficulties with social interaction and impairments in communication; many also have intellectual disability. Read More

At what age can a child be evaluated for intellectual disability?

Parents and caretakers are often the first to notice delays in a child’s development.

If you’re concerned about the development of your infant or toddler, or you suspect your child has a disability, talk with your child’s pediatrician. You may also contact your local early Intervention program directly (see links below) and ask to have your child evaluated. Early intervention is a national system of services that helps babies and toddlers (birth to 3 years) with developmental delays or disabilities. Evaluation is provided free of charge.

See contact information for state early intervention programs. Learn more about early intervention from the Center for Parent Information and Resources. Read More

What is involved in diagnosing intellectual disability?

Intellectual disability involves problems in both intellectual and adaptive functioning.

Intellectual functioning is assessed with an exam by a doctor and through standardized testing. While a specific full-scale IQ test score is no longer required for diagnosis, standardized testing is used as part of diagnosing intellectual disability. A full scale IQ score of around 70 to 75 indicates a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. However, the IQ score must be considered in relation to the bigger picture of the person’s general mental abilities. Also, specific areas of intellectual functioning (identified in IQ subtest scores) can vary a great deal. So the full scale IQ score may not accurately reflect overall intellectual functioning.

Adaptive functioning refers to a child’s abilities with common skills needed for everyday life compared to other children the same age. Three areas of adaptive functioning are considered: conceptual (such as language and academic skills); social (such as communication skills and the ability to follow rules); and practical (such as personal care and other daily life skills). Adaptive functioning is assessed through standardized measures (questionnaires/checklists) with the individual and through interviews with family members, teachers and caregivers. Read More

hauser-expert

About the Expert:

Mark J. Hauser, M.D.
Psychiatrist practicing in the Greater Boston Area
President, On-Site Psychiatric Services, Inc.

Patient Story

Jordan's Story

Jordan, 32, loves his work. He lives with and assists his aging grandparents. He is able to help them with cooking, cleaning, and exercising daily. Jordan has been very successful at helping his grandparents live independently by maintaining the basic chores of their home and keeping a structured environment for them. He describes himself as "a good helper."

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Editor's Choice

DEC 18, 2018

Intellectual Disabilities and the Fight for Justice

Pursuit

Prominent UK campaigners George Julian and Chris Hatton on why there are still so many preventable deaths among people with learning difficulties, and what needs to change. The Justice For LB campaign, which was launched following the death of 33-year-old Connor Sparrowhawk in a British residential unit, has made the issue of preventable deaths among people with an intellectual disability more visible.

DEC 17, 2018

Documentary film 'Intelligent Lives' viws disability and capbility in a 

Daily Californian

As the documentary notes, 49 of the 50 U.S. states continue to use IQ even today to determine intellectual disability. “The least dangerous assumption you can make about someone is that they are competent,” said producer and director Dan Habib at the screening of his documentary, “Intelligent Lives.”  “When you encounter people who have any kind of difference, just presume that high level of competence … be it in college, in working, in relationships, in friendships. That’s the best starting point. Then, if they need some level of accommodation or need a certain way of communicating, you learn that and you figure that out.

DEC 2, 2018

Valley organization helps find jobs for adults with intellectual disabilities

Fox 10 News Phoenix

Some people who never thought they'd be able to enter the workforce are finding amazing jobs. It's all thanks to a non-profit that helps adults with intellectual disabilities find work. One Step Beyond, Inc. is an organization that provides dynamic programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.