INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Intellectual disabilities range in severity from mild to profound based on their level of adaptive functioning. Individuals in the “mild” range may appear immature and have difficulty with social cues. They are usually behind in academic skills, though sometimes this is not apparent right away. Usually they can take care of personal hygiene and household chores, but need more support with bigger tasks like cooking, getting groceries, and making plans with friends. Individuals with a mild intellectual disability will likely need support learning job skills and raising a family. More severe intellectual disabilities show greater deficits in basic language, personal care skills, and ability to make decisions. Those with profound intellectual disabilities are completely dependent on others for daily care, health, and safety. 

Individuals with an intellectual disability are more vulnerable to being victims of physical and sexual abuse, as well as to being unintentionally involved in illegal activity. There are many supports in the community and health system for individuals with intellectual disabilities and with the right care, many people, typically with mild or moderate severity, live safe, independent, and fulfilling lives. 

Diagnosis and assessment are often the first steps to accessing programs and funding, and they also provide important information about the strengths and challenges for each individual. 

Source:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC
Pennington, B. (2009). Diagnosing learning disorders: A neuropsychological framework (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.