The term intellectual disability is used interchangeably with other terms such as intellectual development disorder (IDD) and general learning disability. The term mental retardation was initially but was dropped due to the stigma attached to it. IDD can be defined as intelligence that is lower than average. People with this kind of disorder have a bigger challenge in terms of dealing with issues that affect their daily lives. With the availability of intellectual disability services, they are able to overcome challenges and learn new skills.There are a number of things on IDD diagnosis and treatment Portsmouth residents should know.
According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, a diagnosis of IDD is made when at least three factors are present. These persons are generally deficient in general intelligence. There intelligence quotient when measured is below 70. Affected people also present with poor adaptive behavior. Most importantly, the disorder must become apparent in childhood in order to differentiate from other mental illnesses such as dementia.
Intellectual disability may be syndromic or non syndromic based on presence or absence of related medical abnormalities respectively. Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder associated with syndromic disability. Presentation of IDD is usually behavioral, with memory, language development and social skills. These persons also have the challenge of keeping certain unacceptable behaviors in check, a term usually referred to as inhibition.
IDD can be attributed to a number of factors but the most common is genetic derangement as seen in conditions such as Downs, fragile X and Klinefelter syndrome. Malnutrition is a major contributory factor in the African continent due to poverty and lack of awareness. Other global causes include fetal alcohol syndrome, rubella syndrome in a pregnant mother, accidental poisonous substances such as lead, among others.
The setup of services offered for people with disabilities can take different forms. While some programs provide only day school rehabilitation, some run as a residential area for this people at the same time. Some take the extra step of helping these individuals obtain employment and even take care of their own families.
Every person has a role to play in rehabilitating persons with IDD, starting from the guardian to the clinician, to members of the community. Their role may fall under any four groups including behavioral, psycho-social, family based and cognitive treatment. Psycho-social intervention is done early in the life of a child before they start going to school. Children are taught simple skills, they are given the freedom of exploring and are trained the same thing over and over again until they master the given skill. They are also rewarded whenever they achieve a certain goal.
Language and social skills come in during the behavioral stage of treatment. With the help of a therapist, children are taught using pictures, shapes and other related tools. Some of the skills acquired during this stage especially among older children include sharing, smiling, following instruction and communication. At a higher level, behavioral and psycho-social are combined. At this level, the memory of the individual is challenged by introducing teaching in math, language and so on.
Clinician come in when complications arise that require their attention. For example, extreme changes in mood among autistic children may require prescription of anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers. It is important to monitor for any side effects of these drugs as they may result in serious complications.
According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, a diagnosis of IDD is made when at least three factors are present. These persons are generally deficient in general intelligence. There intelligence quotient when measured is below 70. Affected people also present with poor adaptive behavior. Most importantly, the disorder must become apparent in childhood in order to differentiate from other mental illnesses such as dementia.
Intellectual disability may be syndromic or non syndromic based on presence or absence of related medical abnormalities respectively. Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder associated with syndromic disability. Presentation of IDD is usually behavioral, with memory, language development and social skills. These persons also have the challenge of keeping certain unacceptable behaviors in check, a term usually referred to as inhibition.
IDD can be attributed to a number of factors but the most common is genetic derangement as seen in conditions such as Downs, fragile X and Klinefelter syndrome. Malnutrition is a major contributory factor in the African continent due to poverty and lack of awareness. Other global causes include fetal alcohol syndrome, rubella syndrome in a pregnant mother, accidental poisonous substances such as lead, among others.
The setup of services offered for people with disabilities can take different forms. While some programs provide only day school rehabilitation, some run as a residential area for this people at the same time. Some take the extra step of helping these individuals obtain employment and even take care of their own families.
Every person has a role to play in rehabilitating persons with IDD, starting from the guardian to the clinician, to members of the community. Their role may fall under any four groups including behavioral, psycho-social, family based and cognitive treatment. Psycho-social intervention is done early in the life of a child before they start going to school. Children are taught simple skills, they are given the freedom of exploring and are trained the same thing over and over again until they master the given skill. They are also rewarded whenever they achieve a certain goal.
Language and social skills come in during the behavioral stage of treatment. With the help of a therapist, children are taught using pictures, shapes and other related tools. Some of the skills acquired during this stage especially among older children include sharing, smiling, following instruction and communication. At a higher level, behavioral and psycho-social are combined. At this level, the memory of the individual is challenged by introducing teaching in math, language and so on.
Clinician come in when complications arise that require their attention. For example, extreme changes in mood among autistic children may require prescription of anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers. It is important to monitor for any side effects of these drugs as they may result in serious complications.
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