Intellectual disability

Intellectual disability (ID) involves reduced intellectual and adaptive functioning. Signs begin in childhood.
People with ID typically have IQs below 70 and difficulties in at least 2 adaptive behaviors that affect everyday life.
It affects 1-3% of people.Intellectual Disability, Cleveland Clinic
==Signs==
Signs show up in childhood and may be diagnosed before or after a child starts school. Early signs of intellectual disability include:American Psychiatric Association (2013). "Highlights of Changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5". Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. p. 809. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596. hdl:2027.42/138395. ISBN 978-0-89042-555-8.Kaneshiro, Neil K. (April 21, 2015), "Intellectual disability", MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, archived from the original on October 28, 2016, retrieved October 27, 2016
*Developmental delays
**Motor skills: crawling, sitting, walking, etc.
**Speech: learning to talk, vocabulary, grammar, etc.
**Self-care: getting dressed, washing, eating, etc.
*Difficulty with planning and problem-solving
*Trouble following instructions
*Difficulty understanding social situations and rules
*Trouble adapting to new things and situations
*Difficulty keeping up with schoolwork
*Immaturity
Diagnosis requires difficulties with adaptive behavior. There are 3 general areas of adaptive functioning:What is Intellectual Disability?, American Psychiatric Society
#Conceptual: school subjects (reading, writing, math, etc.), knowledge, memory, reasoning
#Practical: independence in areas like work, self-care, money management, and organization
#Social: judgment, communication skills, friendships, empathy, rule-following
Some people with intellectual disability have behavior problems. These can include impulsivity, aggression, inattention, and self-injurious behavior.What You Should Know About Intellectual Disability, Healthline They may also experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
==Subtypes==
Intellectual disability is categorized into 4 general subtypes: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Most people with intellectual disability are at the mild level.
Levels of intellectual disability
Label 	IQ 	Similar skills to	Prevalence
Mild 	50-69	ages 9-12 	85%
Moderate	35-49	ages 6-9 	10%
Severe 	20-34	ages 3-6 	13.5%
Profound	<20 	age 3 or under 	1.5%
The concept of "mental age" has been challenged for valid reasons. It's best to think of this comparison as similar skills. For example, someone with mild intellectual disability can do most or all of the things a typical 9-year-old can do.
Every person with intellectual disability is unique. For example, they may have higher social skills and lower math skills, or higher spatial skills and lower emotional awareness.
==Causes==
Potential causes include:
*Genetic conditions like Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome
*Issues during pregnancy, including infections like rubella and exposure to substances like alcohol and tobacco
*Childbirth issues like lack of oxygen, premature birth, or brain injury during birth
*Childhood infections like measles and meningitis
*Exposure to toxins like lead and mercury
*Medical problems like seizures
*Brain damage
In some cases, it isn't known why a person has intellectual disability.
==Support==
People with intellectual disability can receive help at school, work, and home. There's no way to get rid of it, but a supportive environment can make a big difference.
They may benefit from:
*Therapies like occupational therapy and speech therapy
*Special education
*Community programs
*Accommodations at school/work
*Vocation training
*Day programs
*Family education and support
*Treatment for any co-occurring conditions
==References==
Some of these sources use very medicalized language and/or mention the R word as a past label for intellectual disability.
Category:Conditions
Category:Developmental disabilities
Category:Neurodivergence