About this topic
A child with an intellectual disability does not have the same mental abilities as other children of the same age group. Children with intellectual disabilities may not be able to keep up in school. They may have problems with memory. Some learn at a slower speed. These children may have problems dealing with daily living. Being able to play with other kids, taking a bath, or doing homework may be a problem for a child with an intellectual disability. ‚
Intellectual disability may be mild or severe. This is based on a childs IQ or intelligent quotient. It is also based on how hard it is for a child to function in life. The normal IQ of a person is 90 to 110. A child with an IQ level of 70 or 75 and below is intellectually disabled. Severe intellectual disability is present when the IQ is below 35 or 40. ‚
Doctors do not diagnose an intellectual disability until after a child is 5 years old. This is because the testing is not accurate in younger children. ‚
Some children with an intellectual disability may also have developmental delays. They may have problems with crawling or walking. Not all children with a developmental delay will have an intellectual disability. ‚
What are the causes?
The exact cause of intellectual disabilities among children is still unknown. Some things raise a babys chance of having this condition. These include: ‚
- Abnormal genes passed on from parents. This is a genetic condition. It happens more often when parents are closely related. Down syndrome or Fragile X syndromes are examples of problems with the genes.
- Problems during pregnancy may affect how a baby's brain develops. This may be because of an infection or the mother drinking alcohol while pregnant.
- Babies who are born too early or who do not get enough oxygen during birth may have this problem.
- Accidents like near drowning or being shaken as a child may cause this condition. So can an infection like meningitis.
What are the main signs?
A child with an intellectual disability may have trouble: ‚
- Learning how to speak
- Recalling facts
- Playing with other children
- With focus
- Solving problems
- Thinking
- Understanding how to do some things, like take a bath
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take a complete history and do an exam. Your childs doctor will watch to see how your child develops and learns new things such as how to talk. If your child is slow in learning these things, your doctor may start some testing to find out why. ‚
The doctor may order some tests to rule out other health problems that may cause this disability. These include: ‚
- Vision and hearing tests.
- Lab tests
- CT scan (or CAT scan)
- MRI scan
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
There are many tests for intelligence that can be used. These help find your child's IQ. They may also look at how your child functions in daily life. These tests are often given by a doctor who specializes in development. They may also be given by a psychologist. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is no cure for this condition. This does not mean that a child with intellectual disability cannot learn or do new things. It may just take longer. Your child may need to work harder to do new things. Learning about this problem early in your childs life is important. Your support will also help your child reach their goals. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Tips for parents: ‚
- Learn as much as possible about this condition. It will be very helpful for you and your child.
- Be patient and hopeful. It may take a long time for your child to learn new things. Goals should be realistic and able to reach.
- Encourage your child to be independent. After teaching a new skill, give your child time to practice it.
- Let your child help with household chores like arranging utensils. Provide assistance when your child needs help.
- Encourage your child to join social activities like summer camps and scouting.
- Praise your child for small successes.
- Encourage your child to read. Help your child learn using different tools. Some children learn by listening. Others learn best from the computer or from flashcards.
- Children with intellectual disability are at higher risk of being abused. If you are very frustrated with your child, put your child in a safe place and get help. Do not hit or shake your child.
Will there be any other care needed?
The doctor may suggest other support therapies for your child. These include: ‚
- Speech and language therapy ¢ ˆ ’ This will help your child improve speech with the use of muscle exercises.
- Occupational therapy ¢ ˆ ’ This is a memory training that helps the child learn new skills.
- Specialized vocational training ¢ ˆ ’ This training will help a teen become more independent.
- Nutrition specialist - To help make sure the child has a healthy diet for growing.
Tutors may also help your child with learning. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no sure way to prevent this condition. There are some things you can do to lower your childs risk of having this problem. You can: ‚
- Take extra care while you are pregnant.
- Get good care and take prenatal vitamins.
- Stay away from harmful chemicals while you are pregnant.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, or mixed drinks.
- Do not use street drugs.
- Take good care of your child.
- Take your child to the doctor for regular checkups.
- Treat infections and other health problems right away.
- Be sure your child always uses safety gear like helmets and seat belts.
Helpful tips
You and your child should join support groups to get to know other people who were able to cope with this problem. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/Outlook-for-Children-with-Intellectual-Disabilities.aspx? ‚
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ‚
http://www.aaidd.org/content_100.cfm?navID=21 ‚
Center for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/IntellectualDisability.pdf ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/birth_defect/mental_retardation.html ‚
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities ‚
http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/intellectual ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚