Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child.

An Intellectual disability (ID) is defined as

• having an IQ below 70 – 75
• There are significant limitations in two or more adaptive areas (skills that are needed to live, work, and play in the community, such as communication or self-care)
• The condition manifests itself before the age of 18

3% of world’s population have an intellectual or learning disability.

Like everyone else, people with an intellectual disability enjoy activities and meeting new people. Most people with an intellectual disability are very able and value any opportunity for new experiences.

Each person with an intellectual disability is an individual. Therefore it is important in getting to know each individual – to spend time with them and/or ensure that an overview of any specific needs the person may have are received firstly from themselves and then the person’s family/support worker. There are some particular points to be aware of.

These include the following:

♦  Some people with intellectual disability may have a high pain tolerance. If they fall  etc, it’s  important to ensure an injury has not been sustained

♦  People with Down syndrome may have a circulatory disorder. They may also have  poor co-ordination and difficulty with steps.

♦  People with intellectual disability who also have epilepsy may be prone to photosensitivity. Therefore flashing lights at a disco and some lighting from films may precipitate a seizure.

♦  Some people with learning difficulties may react negatively to change – mostly through fear of the unknown. It is best to introduce change very gradually, e.g. new coach or helper.

♦  Do not sensationalise the accomplishments of people with learning disability, respect their achievements as you would any athlete.

The above does not pertain to all individuals with intellectual disability. However it is important to be aware of these points and ensure time is spent getting to know each person’s abilities as well as their needs.

Guidelines for communicating and meeting people with ID 

DO –     say what you want to say, clearly and simply
DO –     attract someone’s attention by eye contact and calling their name
DO –     provide tasks within their abilities
DO –     break down tasks into uncomplicated steps
DO –     use plenty of repetition
DO –     show rather than tell people how to do a task
DO –     give praise and positive reinforcement
DO –     be patient if people don’t understand something the first time you tell them
DO –     treat everyone as an individual and afford them the respect and dignity you would  like yourself

DON’T – use jargon
DON’T – insist on helping if your assistance is turned down
DON’T – patronise adults with and intellectual disability by saying such things as “good  boy/girl”
DON’T – pretend to understand if you actually don’t – ask them to repeat
DON’T – expect all individuals to be able to follow written instructions
DON’T – take some behaviours that are difficult to manage personally
DON’T – be offended by lack of response or unconventional behaviour
DON’T – ignore inappropriate behaviour