SPECIAL LESSON: Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability

Deficits in adaptive behavior during developmental period that affects a child’s educational performance.

Significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning

It refers to IQ scores below 70-75.

Deficits in adaptive behavior

It refers to difficulties in conceptual social and practical skills needed for everyday life.

Manifested during the developmental period

It effects are observed in the individuals ability to function in various environments.

Mild (50-70 IQ scores)

Delays in academic and social skills but can learn practical life skills with appropriate support.

Modrate (35-50 IQ scores)

Significant delays in academic and social skills.

Severe (20-35 IQ scores)

Significant impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Profound (below 20 IQ scores)

Severe impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Genetic Conditions

Abnormalities or mutations in genes that affect brain development and functioning.

Down Syndrome

An extra copy of chromosome 21 that delays development.

Prader-Willi Syndrome

A complex order due to abnormalities in a specific region of chromosome 15.

Fragile X Syndrome

A change to one of the genes on the X chromosome “Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1” (FMR1)

Prenatal Factors

Exposure to infections, maternal substance abuse, maternal malnutrition, or complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Perinatal Factors

Oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery, premature birth, low birth weight, or complications.

Postnatal Factors

Traumatic brain injury, infections, exposure to toxins or environmental hazards, or severe malnutrition.