As children grow up, it is the hope of their parents that they grow into fine adults both physically as well as mentally. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are a number of individuals with intellectual disabilities within the general population of Portsmouth, PA who need to be understood and treated specially. While the condition is present in both children and adults it is usually identified during the early childhood years.
This disability was and is still known in many areas as mental retardation. It may occur in isolation or in combination with physical disorders. Combinations are frequently seen in the case of conditions such as Down syndrome and the Foeatal alcohol system. The predisposing factors are numerous and are classified as social, biomedical, behavioural and educational. Infections that occur in pregnancy and in the perinatal period are particularly notorious.
Perhaps the biggest challenge that is faced by affected persons is the inability to learn things fast. This may be frustrating to an instructor especially in a school setting. When instructing this group of children, therefore, it is important that one is patient enough. If possible, the affected children should be taught in special schools where teachers are trained to handle them appropriately.
Although the signs may be obvious from the onset, the general advice is that one should consult a psychiatrist for proper diagnosis. Contrary to common belief, an IQ test alone is not enough. In addition to a low IQ there should also be impairment in intellectual functioning, adaptive behaviour and an onset before 18 years of age. An IQ test of less than 75 is regarded as unfavourable.
Adaptive behaviour encompasses three main areas. There are conceptual skills, social skills and practical skills. Conceptual skills refer to those related to language and literacy, time, self direction and number concepts. Social skills revolve around interpersonal relationships. They are the skills that help us form friendships and to solve conflicts. Practical skills are necessary for daily living and personal living. The affected persons are put into different groups depending in the extent of limitation.
Classification of the condition into different categories helps in formulating the appropriate plan of management. In assessing the severity, it is also important to consider other factors such as the community environment. The limitations identified must be below what is expected of the surrounding community. This includes linguistic diversity and behavioural patterns.
Research has shown that there is room for prevention of this condition albeit to a small extent. The general approach is to target the main causes or risk factors. For instance, couples who intend to get married should undergo genetic counselling particularly in cases where there is a positive family history. Robust social support systems help in the reduction of incidences.
Intellectual disability is said to be the most common form of developmental disabilities all over the world. The limitation presents a huge challenge to both the affected children and their parents. When timely intervention is instituted, the affected persons can be trained to lead near normal lives. It should be noted that this condition is not a disease or a mental illness.
This disability was and is still known in many areas as mental retardation. It may occur in isolation or in combination with physical disorders. Combinations are frequently seen in the case of conditions such as Down syndrome and the Foeatal alcohol system. The predisposing factors are numerous and are classified as social, biomedical, behavioural and educational. Infections that occur in pregnancy and in the perinatal period are particularly notorious.
Perhaps the biggest challenge that is faced by affected persons is the inability to learn things fast. This may be frustrating to an instructor especially in a school setting. When instructing this group of children, therefore, it is important that one is patient enough. If possible, the affected children should be taught in special schools where teachers are trained to handle them appropriately.
Although the signs may be obvious from the onset, the general advice is that one should consult a psychiatrist for proper diagnosis. Contrary to common belief, an IQ test alone is not enough. In addition to a low IQ there should also be impairment in intellectual functioning, adaptive behaviour and an onset before 18 years of age. An IQ test of less than 75 is regarded as unfavourable.
Adaptive behaviour encompasses three main areas. There are conceptual skills, social skills and practical skills. Conceptual skills refer to those related to language and literacy, time, self direction and number concepts. Social skills revolve around interpersonal relationships. They are the skills that help us form friendships and to solve conflicts. Practical skills are necessary for daily living and personal living. The affected persons are put into different groups depending in the extent of limitation.
Classification of the condition into different categories helps in formulating the appropriate plan of management. In assessing the severity, it is also important to consider other factors such as the community environment. The limitations identified must be below what is expected of the surrounding community. This includes linguistic diversity and behavioural patterns.
Research has shown that there is room for prevention of this condition albeit to a small extent. The general approach is to target the main causes or risk factors. For instance, couples who intend to get married should undergo genetic counselling particularly in cases where there is a positive family history. Robust social support systems help in the reduction of incidences.
Intellectual disability is said to be the most common form of developmental disabilities all over the world. The limitation presents a huge challenge to both the affected children and their parents. When timely intervention is instituted, the affected persons can be trained to lead near normal lives. It should be noted that this condition is not a disease or a mental illness.