Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual Disability (ID)

Limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, diagnosed before age 18.

Intellectual functioning criteria for ID

Ability to reason, plan, problem solve and think abstractly; 2 standard deviations below the mean for IQ.

Adaptive behavior criteria for ID

Delay in adaptive behavior and learned conceptual, social skills needed for everyday functioning.

Symptoms of ID

Gross motor, fine motor, language delays, memory issues, poor social awareness, and problem-solving difficulties.

ID mild characteristics

Difficulty with academic skills, abstract thinking, executive functioning, short term memory, emotional regulation; can perform basic ADLs and possibly work.

ID moderate characteristics

Significant difficulty with academic skills, abstract thinking, executive functioning, short term memory, emotional regulation; needs assistance with some ADLs and vocational skills.

ID severe characteristics

Understands only simple speech and gestures; limited conceptual skills; needs assistance for all ADLs.

ID profound characteristics

Loss of function, minimal understanding, dependent for all ADLs, enjoys established relationships, co-occurring motor/sensory issues common.

Comorbidities of ID

Conditions that may accompany ID include ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and mental illness.

Medical management of ID

No direct surgical or drug treatment for ID; medications are used to treat co-occurring conditions.

Down’s syndrome and ID common issues

Issues include low muscle tone, comorbidities such as cardiac issues, and hearing loss (up to 75%).

Common OT interventions for ID

Focus on fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, sensory processing, core/muscle tone management, and academic adaptations/strategies.