What is the difference between intellectual disability?
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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. Intellectual disability can happen any time before a child turns 18 years old, even before birth. Show
Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability. According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, an individual has intellectual disability if he or she meets three criteria:
Intellectual disability—formerly known as mental retardation—can be caused by injury, disease, or a problem in the brain. For many children, the cause of their intellectual disability is unknown. Some causes of intellectual disability—such as Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, birth defects, and infections—can happen before birth. Some happen while a baby is being born or soon after birth. Other causes of intellectual disability do not occur until a child is older; these might include severe head injury, infections or stroke.
The most common causes of intellectual disabilities are: Genetic conditions. Sometimes an intellectual disability is caused by abnormal genes inherited from parents, errors when genes combine, or other reasons. Examples of genetic conditions are Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and phenylketonuria (PKU). Complications during pregnancy. An intellectual disability can result when the baby does not develop inside the mother properly. For example, there may be a problem with the way the baby’s cells divide. A woman who drinks alcohol or gets an infection like rubella during pregnancy may also have a baby with an intellectual disability. Problems during birth. If there are complications during labor and birth, such as a baby not getting enough oxygen, he or she may have an intellectual disability. Diseases or toxic exposure. Diseases like whooping cough, the measles, or meningitis can cause intellectual disabilities. They can also be caused by extreme malnutrition, not getting appropriate medical care, or by being exposed to poisons like lead or mercury. We know that intellectual disability is not contagious: you can’t catch an intellectual disability from anyone else. We also know it’s not a type of mental illness, like depression. There are no cures for intellectual disability. However, children with intellectual disabilities can learn to do many things. They may just need take more time or learn differently than other children.
Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability. Approximately 1 – 3 percent of the global population has an intellectual disability—as many as 200 million people. Intellectual disability is significantly more common in low-income countries—16.41 in every 1,000 people. Disabilities overall are more common in low-income countries. The United Nations Development Program estimates that 80 percent of all people with disabilities live in low-income countries. While people with disabilities represent approximately one in 10 people worldwide, they are one in every five of the world’s poorest people. Sources: American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities; the United Nations Development Program; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Do you know what the difference between an intellectual and a developmental disability are? There are many different terms to describe a disability but when it comes down to it, there are two different categories for them: intellectual and developments. While developmental disabilities may encompass people with intellectual disabilities, depending on their condition, they are not the same. Let’s take a look at these two different categories and what they mean.Intellectual DisabilitiesPeople with intellectual disabilities are known for having below-average cognitive abilities. But these aren’t the only characteristics that define these disabilities. These people often have an intelligent quotient (IQ) between 70-75 or below; significant limitations in the ability to adapt and carry on every day activities like self-care, communicating, and socializing; and show signs of the disability before the age of 18. There are many different causes of intellectual disabilities including physical and genetic factors. Some common syndromes associated with intellectual disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. Many intellectual disabilities can be caused by genetic conditions, problems during pregnancy or at time of birth, health problems at an early age, or exposure to environmental toxins like lead. These disabilities can impact milestones such as speaking, walking, and being able to take care of their personal needs. While many people fear these individuals will not be able to function as adults, that is not true. A small percentage of people will have serious, lifelong limitations, but with early intervention, appropriate education, and support, adults can lead a satisfying life in the community.Developmental DisabilitiesPeople with developmental disabilities have severe chronic disabilities that can be cognitive, physical, or a combination of the two. These disabilities often appear before the age of 22 and are likely life-long conditions. The term “developmental disability” is used to encompass intellectual disabilities as well as physical disabilities. Some of these disabilities are solely physical, like blindness, while others are both physical and intellectual disabilities that stem from genetic causes. These disabilities can include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome. While developmental disabilities may encompass intellectual disabilities, these two categories are not exactly the same thing. For more information on these two terms or helping a loved one, call Family Service Foundation today.Welcome to Family Service Foundation, Inc.!Family Service Foundation, Inc. has been serving the greater Maryland area since 1936. This nonprofit organization helps Maryland residents across a span of different areas such as mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse, and provides interpretation for deaf and deaf-blind individuals. To learn more about intellectual or developmental disabilities, visit here. Do you “Follow” and “Like?” Be sure to stay active on our official pages on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest today!What is a difference between an intellectual disability and a learning disability?An intellectual disability is not the same as a learning disability. An intellectual disability refers to when somebody has a developmental disorder (ie. autism), whereas a learning disability refers to when a person has difficulty learning in specific academic areas (ie. dyslexia).
What is the difference between intellectual disability and intellectual impairment?So what is “Intellectual disability” or “Intellectual impairment?” An intellectual impairment is when a person has a reduced ability to think, reason, remember things and problem solve. Someone who has an intellectual disability, might take longer to work through tasks and activities and need support to learn.
What defines an intellectual disability?What is intellectual disability? Intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to a person's ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Levels of intellectual disability vary greatly in children.
What is the main difference between an intellectual disability and giftedness?Because the standard deviation of an IQ test is about 15, this means that about 2% of people score above an IQ of 130, often considered the threshold for giftedness, and about the same percentage score below an IQ of 70, often being considered the threshold for an intellectual disability.
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