Intellectual Developmental Disorder

About Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Intellectual developmental disorder, also called intellectual disability, is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning, such as reasoning, problem solving and learning, and adaptive functioning across conceptual, social and practical areas of everyday life, with onset during the developmental period. DSM-5 replaced the older term mental retardation, and severity levels are based mainly on adaptive functioning rather than test scores alone. Causes are diverse and include genetic conditions such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome, problems during pregnancy or birth, and environmental factors, though in many cases no single cause is found. People with intellectual disability have a higher likelihood of other health and mental health conditions, which can be overlooked. Support focuses on early intervention, individualized education, communication and skills support, inclusion in community life, and person centered planning that respects autonomy.