Intellectual Disability | The Intellectually Disabled Education And Advocacy League

Intellectual Disability

Definition of intellectual disability

According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), intellectual disability is a disorder that exhibits significant limitations in both "intellectual function" and "adaptive behavior." This disorder occurs during the developmental period (the operational definition is before age of 22).

Adaptive behavior refers to three aspects of skills: "conceptual", "social" and "applicational". The abilities of intellectually disabled individuals to handle daily tasks are limited, therefore they may have difficulties in adapting to normal life.

Conceptual skill: language, literacy, concept of money, time and quantity, etc.

Social skill: interpersonal relationships, social responsibilities, compliance with laws, obedience to rules, self-protection, etc.

Applicational skill: self-care (daily activities), vocational skills, financial decision, use of transportation, etc.

Causes of intellectual disabilities

inherent factors:

Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, etc.
Inherited genetic mutation.
Metabolic abnormalities.

Acquired factors:

During pregnancy

Inappropriate medication or consumption of alcohol.
Malnourishment.
Illness (such as German measles, diabetes), etc.

During parturition

Premature birth.
Injury during birth.
hypoxia, etc.

Infancy and early childhood

Meningitis.
Malnutrition.
Brain damage from accident.
Neglect, etc.

Mild	Score of IQ between 50－69	Encounter difficulty in learning such as reading and writing, but still able to learn basic academic and daily tasks. With special education and appropriate training, some people can live independently and engage in simple technical work
Moderate	Score of IQ between 35－49	Limited learning ability and only able to learn simple and practical skills for daily tasks. Able to perform tasks that are semi-skilled or unskilled in workplace under supervision.
Severe	Score of IQ between 20－34	After systematic training, they can learn to communicate, as well as basic hygiene practices. Able to perform unskilled tasks under supervision, Require nursing service, if they have other disabilities.
Extremely Severe	Score of IQ lower than 20	Limited sensory functions and motor functions and the result of training in self-care skills may not be optimistic. Able to learn limited self-care skills and movements in adulthood, Requires nursing service.

How to help individual with intellectual disabilities develop their talents

Helping individual with intellectual disabilities developing their talents requires patience, support and resources. For example:

Correct understanding:

Understand the needs and abilities of intellectually disabled people and treat them with respect and acceptance.

Personalized Support Plan:

Develop a personalized coaching and support plan based on each person’s abilities and needs.

Education and vocational training:

Provide specialized education to help them acquiring basic life skills and vocational skills. The aims of specialized education are to improve their independence and increase their employability.

Social skills development:

Encourage participation in social activities can help people with intellectual disabilities improve their social skills and self-confidence.

Discover interests and talents:

Encourage them to explore different interests and activities such as music, art, sports, etc., and support their development in these areas.

Encourage independence:

Teach basic living skills such as self-care, simple chores and personal financial management to increase their confidence and independence.

Positive encouragement:

Reinforce positive behaviors and self-efficacy in people with intellectual disabilities through positive feedback and rewards.