Intellectual Disability

Patient Story: Intellectual Disability

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."

Jordan was born with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that often results in an intellectual disability. In school, he struggled with learning information at the same rate as his peers. Jordan would often say "I get mad because learning is hard." He was tested and placed in special education programs at school. In addition to basic academics, his education focused on helping him learn daily living skills and how to be independent. He attended therapy sessions and learned behavioral methods to help control his outbursts and impulsive behaviors. Jordan understands the importance of working at living in a healthy manner.

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During adolescence he struggled more with managing his aggression. He saw a psychiatrist to address his anger and impulse control difficulties and was prescribed a mood stabilizer. Jordan says the medicine "helps me stay in control of getting mad." He has established a system for remembering his medication and earnestly reports that it’s important to him.

After graduating from high school, Jordan worked part-time in a factory job on an assembly line in a community-sponsored program for special needs adults. Jordan exhibited a sense of responsibility, which impressed his supervisor and family. When Jordan's grandparents could no longer live on their own without assistance, his family met and discussed options. A decision was reached between Jordan and his family for him to live with his grandparents for a trial period. After three months, everyone agreed that Jordan was an excellent caretaker. Jordan has achieved a sense of purpose.