Intellectual functioning covers a wide range of skills that are affected by intellectual disabilities. These skills include reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and learning from experience. Intellectual-functioning-related disabilities are usually determined by clinical assessments as well as standardized intelligence tests.
Adaptive functioning also covers several skills reflected by intellectual disabilities, including communication, social participation, and independent living.
Intellectual disabilities are characterized by several symptoms:
- Failure to reach developmental milestones
- Difficulties in reading or speaking
- Challenges in understanding social cues
- Delayed speech and difficulties expressing themselves
- Slowed down reaction and perception of surrounding stimuli
- Impaired ability to analyze, reason, comprehend and calculate, as well as to think abstractly
- Low concentration
- Poor memory
- Poor self-control
- Poor coordination of movement
- Poor problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Poor planning skills
- Difficulties in managing and regulating their emotions
- Difficulties in maintaining personal care, such as eating and getting dressed
- Poor decision-making skills
The worldwide prevalence rate of individuals with disabilities ranges from 1% to 3%. The rates are seen to be higher in males across different age groups. The rates are also higher in low- and middle-income countries.
There is no definite cure for intellectual disabilities as it is a lifelong condition; however, with early and ongoing treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs and with the right support system, individuals with intellectual disabilities can improve their daily functioning end learn to thrive.
It's essential to monitor your child's developmental milestones and be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and any difficulties they might be facing early on to seek immediate treatment during their early childhood. Early intervention has been proven to be more successful in managing the challenges faced by those with intellectual disabilities.
Treating intellectual disabilities involves creating a personalized treatment plan for each individual, as each has a unique profile and strengths and weaknesses. Each individual would be assessed in different areas of functioning relating to language and communication, and based on their different abilities, they would be provided with an individualized treatment plan. Treatment modalities vary in how they tackle intellectual disabilities. Some of the treatment methods include but are not limited to:
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) aims to teach various skills, including communication skills, social skills, self-control, and self-monitoring. It is especially used with those who live with autism. This method is personalized based on each person's needs and interests.
Environmental arrangements involve several changes in the individual's environment in order to increase communication by making the environment more welcoming for the individual with an intellectual disability.
There are also assistive tools that may be used independently or in conjunction with other treatment modalities, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which is used to assist those who have speech difficulties by providing them with alternative methods to communicate and using activity schedules and visual supports to help individuals in completing several tasks or transitioning between activities.
