WHAT IS
INTELlectual disability?
A Person with Intellectual Disability (PWID) is associated with the following:
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An Intellectual functioning that is significantly below average (i.e. IQ level of 70 or below)
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Limitations in daily living skills (adaptive behaviour), e.g. Self care, safety or social skills
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These limitations become apparent before the person turns 18 years old
It is neither an illness or a disease, but a condition which can occur any time before, during or after birth (before 18 years of age).
CAUSES OF
INTELlectual disability
Intellectual Disability may be attributed to various causes, of which only some are known.
Before Birth
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Due to genetic inheritance and/or chromosomal abnormality (e.g. Down Syndrome)
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Problems during pregnancy - infection (arising from the mother)
During Birth
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Problems during birth (e.g. asphyxia/ lack of oxygen leading to brain damage during prolonged labour and trauma)
After Birth
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Infections, injury and/ or trauma that may lead to brain damage
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Malnutrition
This is a non-exhaustive list.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
INTELlectual disability
Persons with Intellectually Disability may exhibit some of the following traits:
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Short attention span
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Difficulties remembering/ retaining information
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Unable to regulate one's behaviour
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Suffers from delayed language development
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Slow learning rate
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Poor social and communication skills
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT
persons with INTELlectual disability
References: